The Gospel of Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Let us Pray: Everlasting God, we pray that your Church, built on the foundation of the saints, will be faithful to the teaching of Christ so that it reflects his likeness. Lord and Father, as you kindled the flame of your love in the hearts of the saints, give to us the same faith and power of love; that, we may benefit from their unselfish examples. In the name of our lord and savior we pray. AMEN
The beatitudes introduce the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew places the Sermon at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, emphasizing that Jesus is the authoritative teacher of God’s people. This Gospel is not a set of regulations, but a vision of where true happiness lies. Jesus lived every one of the ‘blessed’. He was merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker and all the others shared aspects of his life. Jesus knew each of the Beatitudes thoroughly. He knew just where the blessings and presence of God could be found. The Beatitudes build upon one another, creating a staircase of character attributes that gauge the spiritual temperature of man. Each blessing is a building block which depends on what precedes it. Although the primary purpose of the beatitudes is to declare the blessings given by God’s kingdom, They can be regarded as a picture of the character of that kingdom. As we step into God’s kingdom, we hope to become more like those named as blessed—more meek, more merciful, hungrier for righteousness, more apt to make peace. This gives the beatitudes a moral imperative. Later, when Jesus says, “Make disciples of all nations”, the beatitudes describe the character these disciples are meant to take on.
It might be enlightening if we could each of us look within ourselves and pick one beatitude that showed us who we believed ourselves to be. If we look carefully at Jesus’ words, however, we find that they are much more than moral generalities or mottos to live by. They are key principles of embracing this life. The beatitudes are first of all declarations of God’s grace. They are not conditions of salvation or roadmaps to earn entry to God’s kingdom.
Let us Pray: Faithful God, we thank you for the example of all the saints and as we go out into the world help us to follow in their footsteps with courage and hope determined, like them, to do your work and live the Gospel of your Son. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Reflections by Bob 