The “Beatitudes” we read about in today’s gospel (Matt. 5:1-12a) always seem so pious, or perhaps or even a description of sainthood. It doesn’t seem likely that they would actually speak to someone like me.
Perhaps that happens because we are focusing on the “blessings” rather than the “reason” for those blessings. 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 (the peacemakers). By their lifestyle they are teaching trust in God alone, rather than in power and possessions (the poor in spirit). They suffer for their perseverance in 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 by seeking social justice for the marginalised (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness). And humbly 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 selfishness by their outreach and compassion (the clean or pure of heart). Yes, they do describe the lives of the saints! It is only where the activity of God is present and manifested that one finds a “blessing,” a beatitude. This is the call of every Christian, and also a baptismal responsibility: to carry on the mission of Jesus in building the kingdom of God.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is compared many times to Moses the lawgiver. However, 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 to speak out in the name of Jesus, and to influence our world with love and charity. The goal is always to be in a right relationship with God.
Perhaps that happens because we are focusing on the “blessings” rather than the “reason” for those blessings. 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 (the peacemakers). By their lifestyle they are teaching trust in God alone, rather than in power and possessions (the poor in spirit). They suffer for their perseverance in 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 by seeking social justice for the marginalised (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness). And humbly 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 selfishness by their outreach and compassion (the clean or pure of heart). Yes, they do describe the lives of the saints! It is only where the activity of God is present and manifested that one finds a “blessing,” a beatitude. This is the call of every Christian, and also a baptismal responsibility: to carry on the mission of Jesus in building the kingdom of God.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is compared many times to Moses the lawgiver. However, 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 to speak out in the name of Jesus, and to influence our world with love and charity. The goal is always to be in a right relationship with God.
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