In today’s gospel (Matt. 5:1-12a) we’re given the advice of The “Beatitudes.” When read slowly they always seem so pious, that perhaps they’re even a description of saints. I wonder then, if they can really speak to me.
Maybe that happens because as we read the beatitudes our mind concentrates on the “blessings” rather than the “reason” for those blessings. Let’s consider the following.
The recipients of these “blessings” from Jesus are recognised because of what they “DO.” Each one of their actions reflects the example of Jesus, and shows the effect of God’s grace in their lives. They are trying to reconcile people to God and to each other ( they’re the peacemakers). Through their lifestyle they’re teaching to trust in God alone rather than in power and possessions (they’re the poor in spirit). They suffer for their dedication to being living examples of Christians in right relationship to God (the persecuted). They reflect the caring compassion of God who is present in all suffering, whether physical or spiritual exile (those who mourn). They display holiness in their activities that seek social justice for the marginalised (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness). In all humility they recognise their need for God at every moment, and their equality with all other humans (the meek). They have generous and forgiving hearts like Jesus (the merciful). Finally, they demonstrate a total lack of self-interest by their outreach and compassion (the clean or pure of heart).
It is only where the activity for God is present and manifested that one finds a “blessing,”- a beatitude. This is the call of every Christian, and also our baptismal responsibility: to carry on the mission of Jesus in building the kingdom of God.
Jesus helps us grow spiritually by showing that true holiness and blessing flows from a loving heart, not just from rigid ritual observance of laws (like the Pharisees). All Christians are called on to speak out in Jesus’ name, and to influence our world with love and charity, in this way putting us in a right relationship with God.
Maybe that happens because as we read the beatitudes our mind concentrates on the “blessings” rather than the “reason” for those blessings. Let’s consider the following.
The recipients of these “blessings” from Jesus are recognised because of what they “DO.” Each one of their actions reflects the example of Jesus, and shows the effect of God’s grace in their lives. They are trying to reconcile people to God and to each other ( they’re the peacemakers). Through their lifestyle they’re teaching to trust in God alone rather than in power and possessions (they’re the poor in spirit). They suffer for their dedication to being living examples of Christians in right relationship to God (the persecuted). They reflect the caring compassion of God who is present in all suffering, whether physical or spiritual exile (those who mourn). They display holiness in their activities that seek social justice for the marginalised (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness). In all humility they recognise their need for God at every moment, and their equality with all other humans (the meek). They have generous and forgiving hearts like Jesus (the merciful). Finally, they demonstrate a total lack of self-interest by their outreach and compassion (the clean or pure of heart).
It is only where the activity for God is present and manifested that one finds a “blessing,”- a beatitude. This is the call of every Christian, and also our baptismal responsibility: to carry on the mission of Jesus in building the kingdom of God.
Jesus helps us grow spiritually by showing that true holiness and blessing flows from a loving heart, not just from rigid ritual observance of laws (like the Pharisees). All Christians are called on to speak out in Jesus’ name, and to influence our world with love and charity, in this way putting us in a right relationship with God.
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