Gospel Reading: 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.”
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The Sermon on the Mount begins with Jesus’ proclamation of the Beatitudes. “Beatitude” – from “blessed” or “happy” (Greek makarios) – designates the condition of individuals or groups who are faithful and righteous and, thus, enjoy God’s favor.
In the Old Testament, the concept of blessedness is based on the doctrine that those who love and obey the Lord are promised material and spiritual well-being in this life. Occasionally, though, experiences of pain and loss were interpreted as means to greater wisdom and blessedness (cf Jb 42; Ps 94:12-15).
The New Testament emphasizes the spiritual and eschatological character of the reward. Hence, blessedness can be paradoxical: the situation of the person in the present life may not appear good, but reward rests upon the power and the promise of God and dependable on God’s graciousness in Christ.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS,” 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
