The second Beatitude (Matthew 5:4) says, "Blessings on the mourners! You're going to be comforted." (N. T. Wright, The Kingdom New Testament) In context, Jesus was speaking to his disciples and making the larger point that those who suffered under the spiritually and socially oppressive realities of that day would one day enter the Kingdom. In the Kingdom, they would find comfort, justice, mercy, and peace. Taken out of that context, the second Beatitude is a powerful reminder of the way in which God's grace is embedded in our lives, whoever we are and whatever we believe.
It is one of the deepest spiritual truths that God, experienced as the Holy Spirit, brings comfort to those who mourn. The following video clip of Vice President Biden speaking to families of soldiers who died serving their country is not a political video. It is commentary on the second Beatitude. The clip runs for about 20 minutes, and it makes the point to families feeling deep loss that one day the memory of their loved one will bring a smile to their lips before it brings tears to their eyes. The Vice President knows what he is talking about. In a tragic auto accident, he lost his wife and daughter. He mentions God in this clip only to as the One with whom he was angry, but lurking in his words we can hear the committed Catholic affirming the truth of God's grace without going pious. This is worth 20 minutes of your day.
