What are macarisms? And why have I called this blog by that name?
The silly answer is that people call me Macca and these are going to be things that I want to communicate! But the deeper answer lies in the meaning of the word. It is simply an English version of an ancient Greek word meaning ‘blessing’ or ‘to be blessed’. There are various forms of this word in the New Testament, the most famous being Jesus’ words in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5): Blessed are the the poor in spirit… those who mourn… the merciful… and so on. The specific word ‘macarism’ is found in Romans 4:6-8:
David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness (macarism) of the one whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.
My desire for this blog is that people will be blessed as they read and think about life. My hope is to help people to reflect on the good life, to stop and consider what’s really worth having.
macarisms 
I think Macarisms is a great idea with a great name, both the silly and serious. As I have read the letters you have sent I have shared parts of them with my friends as they are so much more than updates on your health. They are encouragements, challenges, calls to prayer, expressions of gratitude and markers on a journey you didn’t expect to be taking. I am sure the blog will bless those who read it and hopefully bless you the writers as well.
Good on you Macca. May many be blessed by your macca isms.
PS First comment on blog! Yeah!
Love the name macarisms and the different layers of meaning
Thanks Dave – great to hear from you.
Good one Macca! Looking forward to seeing many more macarisms.
Love this blog, and love the picture!
I see you have worked out what to write about….Obvious really eh!
This will be much better than that ABC radio Macca…
Love your blog. I’m sure it will be a blessing many.
Looking forward to reading your blog Dave and also appreciate Fiona’s letters. Love to you both.
Vanessa