1-Nov-16

Gospel MT 5:1-12A
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Reflection:

The Beatitudes!
"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them....."
The word 'beatitude' may be defined as "happiness."
To a great extent, our "happiness" depends on our attitude.
I like to think of the "Beatitudes" as meaning: Happy is the one who has a beautiful attitude.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."
Jesus is not implying that there is anything to be "blessed" or happy about in "being" poor.
This happiness which Jesus speaks about comes from our understanding that our sense of well being in life is not derived from our material possessions. Rather, it comes from our beautiful attitude and our trust in God.
"Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Jesus tells His disciples that being "persecuted" because of their belief in Him may be considered "Blessed," a source of happiness, but only if they are able to put their trust in the love of God, their Father, first.
"Your attitude toward life is far more important in determining your happiness than your money, appearance, social status or talent."
- - Stephanie Dowrick