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.

What a wonderful way t o begin the week, especially a week dedicated to Catholic Schools.  Jesus in this beautiful and poetic passage, describes the norms the subjects of his kingdom are to follow: poverty of spirit, mercy, righteousness, peacemaking, cleanliness of heart, and, yes, even persecution. A follower of Jesus will stand out as "different," and rightly so, for just look at the world and the unhappy, "out of control" people who do NOT follow his teachings. May we take some time today, as familiar with this "Sermon on the Mount:, as we might be, reflect on in again and again and let it sink into our hearts, that we might live it as naturally as we put on our shoes and socks.

Bro. Rene

Gracious God, you know how deeply we long for wholeness and a deeper happiness than we find in things and possessions. Teach us to take your Son’s beatitudes to heart, so that in letting go of those things that bind our hearts and minds, we may experience something of the joy and wonder now being experienced by all the saints in heaven. Amen.

Rev. Herb Yost, C.S.C.