" For thirty years of His life on earth,
The Word was silent before the people.
For fifty centuries the world had waited for the word
that its Maker would speak.
And finally, with the people before Him
On a sloping meadow overlooking a lake,
The Word spoke His word.
The Way revealed His way.
And He Who had taken the lowest place
Spoke to His creatures of lowliness, saying:
"Blessed are the meek.
The poor in spirit,
Blessed are you who weep now."
He Who had come not seeking praise. said:
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you."
These were the first words that the Word spoke to mankind,
Being meek, being Himself reviled,
And weeping with those who weep. "

― Hieromonk Damascene