“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” This past August, HUM’s prayer newsletter began a study of the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—a remarkable list of blessings that reveal the inner character of those who serve God and reflect the kingdom of heaven. These blessings are not isolated teachings. They form an unbroken chain, each one deepening and building upon the truth that comes before it, guiding believers toward a life shaped by humility, compassion and faithfulness. As we step into a new year, the fifth Beatitude feels especially timely: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” A new year naturally invites reflection, renewal and recommitment, and mercy lies at the heart of all three. To be “blessed” means to experience true joy—a spiritual gladness and deep contentment rooted in a right relationship with God. It is the kind of joy that sustains us as we move forward with purpose, trusting God to continue His work in and through us. Those who are merciful show compassion, forgiveness and understanding to others, and God promises mercy in return. Mercy opens our hearts, draws us closer to Christ and creates space for transformation. It calls us to grow spiritually and to extend grace freely—just as we invite the men and women in recovery at HUM to do every day. Hope, peace, joy and love are not confined to a particular season. At HUM, they are woven into the 365-day spiritual recovery journey—shaping lives, restoring dignity and nurturing compassion in ways that extend far beyond our walls. So, as we lift our daily prayers—for our loved ones, for the men and women at HUM and for everyone on our prayer list—may we move into this new year anchored in Christ. And may all who seek God discover the spiritual blessedness that flows from Him: a life transformed by mercy, grounded in grace and filled with His divine peace. | 
