Biblical Text

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5.6, NRSV)

Reflection Video

For the video with the reflection on Matthew 5.6 click here.

Clarification

In Jewish writings, the Greek word dikaiosune and the Hebrew word tsedaqah, both translated “righteousness,” carry the notion of doing what is right for a relationship rather than individual moral uprightness. So, for instance, in Romans 1.16-17 Paul says that God is shown to be righteous because, knowing human frailty, he has chosen to save them on the grounds of faith leading to faithfulness.

Questions

• How would you define “righteousness”? Analyze your definition. Does it seem to belong more to a courtroom or to a relationship? Does it focus on the individual or on ways of relating to others? Why do you think you lean toward one rather than the other?
• If righteousness were an individual pursuit, what would a righteous person look like? If righteousness were a relational pursuit, what would a righteous person look like? How are your descriptions similar or different?