In the Beatitudes that Jesus proclaimed on the mountain, we discover the values by which a Christian is called to live. While the Beatitudes present a great challenge, they also promise great
rewards, both in this life and in the life to come. Too often, the values by which we live have little to do with the values of the Gospel. Christ calls us instead to live by values that place our
trust in God, that lead us to be gentle and merciful in our relationships with one another, and that recognize right living as the most important thing in life.
The Lord Jesus came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He does this by leading us into the deeper meaning of the Law, to its very heart. He accomplishes this through the mystery of the
Incarnation, which is central to our faith as the supreme expression of God’s self-giving and humble love. Humility, therefore, becomes the fundamental attitude of all who believe in the
Lord.
In the readings, it is not misery itself that is being blessed, but reliance on God. Those who recognize their need for God and who live according to his will are truly blessed. They are, in
fact, the most fortunate people in the world, for God promises to provide all that they truly need. Only God can fill our emptiness, and only God can satisfy the deepest hunger of our hearts.
Those who place their trust in the Lord will never be disappointed. God stands as the defender of the poor, the weak, and the lowly, those who live with integrity and humility. The Beatitudes are
the distinguishing marks of a disciple of Christ. They make us rich in the sight of God, open our minds and hearts to a new way of seeing and judging, and give us an entirely new way of
orienting our lives.
A person who lives according to the Beatitudes is already living in the Kingdom of Heaven. Eternal life will simply be the full blossoming of a life already rooted in God. Let us remember
that standing up for what is right is not easy. It may not bring honor in this world, but rather misunderstanding, insults, or even suffering. Yet for us, this is the way of life God calls us to live
and the way that leads to true freedom, lasting joy, and eternal life.
Scripture Readings:
Zep 2:3; 3:12–13 • 1Cor 1:26–31 • Mt 5:1–12a