The Beatitudes

    

Matthew 5: 1-12a

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, we pray the Beatitudes, the blueprint for the holiness needed to become a saint. It calls for humility, a thirst for righteousness, and above all, mercy, compassion and peacemaking.  In our present day of rancor, violence, hatred and division, we need to restore these virtues to our personal lives and encourage others to do the same so that our church's and our nation's spiritual  fabric will be restored to its former beauty and love for one another and unselfishness might prevail again.  "Perfection is not of this world," the saying goes, but certainly things have been better than what they are.  The Saints have lives in this same world, and can help us by their example and their prayers.  This is the day we turn to them to honor them, yes, but to ask for their help to become a "Beatitude People." . May we not hesitate to ask for it  and may they hear and answer our prayers.

 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father (Matthew 5: 48)

Bro. Rene