Most of humanity would prefer that the year 2020 enter the history books more quickly. With the coronavirus pandemic, internecine politics, rioting, and literally, one Middle Eastern city “powder keg” detonation, the equally turbulent climate and economic missteps are salt poured onto an open wound.

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

We have always existed when seeds of fear, mistrust, and hatred for one another sprouted. At a time when all of Mankind’s knowledge is available electronically, the vast majority of the Earth has not found harmony from that collective wisdom. Yet, there has always existed a means to such harmony. The metaphysical. While the source is intangible, His effect is not.

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3 – 12 (NIV)

Read with a heart attuned to the spiritual, the Gospels reveal a God who loves us, teaches us, and holds us accountable to him and to one another. In the collection of scripture Christians know as the Old Testament, (to Jews as the Books of the Law and the Prophets) God reveals his heart to us. Through ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things through their Faith in him, we learn the blessings of such living. From men and women who follow their own desires, we see the destructiveness of such behavior. As both God and Man, through his example, teachings, death and resurrection, Jesus fulfills all we are taught through the Old Testament. Both Old and New Testament open our eyes to embrace Jesus as the author and perfecter of our Faith. Through our hearts, to those who believe in Jesus deity, even the tiniest kernel faith will grow. Through devotion to prayer, his teachings, and one another relationships we will also “overcome the world” (John 16:33).