BEATITUDE #1 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Scholars tell us that this beatitude sums up all the rest. If we are living this beatitude we are, most likely, living the other seven as well. Contrary to what most people think, the poor in spirit are not spiritually impoverished people, people with little or no spiritual life. Instead they are spiritual giants because they live their lives with total trust in God. The poor in spirit know clearly their absolute need for God and live their lives with radical dependence on him to help them grow through their every challenge and cross. In this beatitude, Jesus proposes to us the value of absolute trust in his love and care for us. Matthew 6:26-34 is an extended commentary on this beatitude. Jesus is telling us that the key to happiness is living our lives with childlike trust in his care for us. When Jesus uses the words "blessed" or "happy" he is referring to a joy that comes from living our lives in union with him. Nothing can steal that joy or happiness from us. To what extent are you poor in spirit? To what extent is your primary security in God and not in worldly things?
Prayer: "Jesus, help me to grow in my trust in you. Free me from all that hinders me from depending upon you in all things."
BEATITUDE #2 - Blessed (happy) are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
We can mourn or grieve for many reasons. The prophets in the Old Testament mourned for the injustices inflicted on the poor by the rich. The poor also mourned for their conditions. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because of her refusal to accept him (Lk 13:34-36). Jesus also wept when his friend Lazarus died (John 11:36). Some saints prayed for the gift of tears as they repented of their sins. Many people mourn as they behold the sufferings of others (e.g. 9/11). Mourning for the suffering, the poor and for ones sins is a big value of Jesus. He tells us we are blessed when we can grieve for the pain of others. It means that we have a compassionate spirit. Also, grief therapists remind us that the only healthy way to deal with a loss is through grieving. This wisdom is contrary to the world's wisdom, which tells us to "move on". Jesus tells us the poor will be comforted in the next life if not in this life. Also, those who mourn for their sins will be blessed with the grace of true repentance. Those who mourn lives losses will slowly but surely receive the grace of healing.
Where are you at with regard to this beatitude? What, if anything, do you grieve about? Is there a past loss you never grieved about? Have you ever felt true sorrow for your sins? Do you allow the sufferings of others to touch your heart? Finally, can you see why mourning can be a positive value to develop?
Prayer: "Jesus help me to be deeply contrite for my sins. Help me to mourn the injustices in our world. Help me to have the courage to grieve personal losses. Help me to be a support to others who are grieving."
BEATITUDE #3 - Blessed (happy) are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
In our world today, meekness is not a virtue that anyone would aspire to. Most people would agree that; "meek people come in last". Frankly, I wasn't pleased with my research on meekness. Nothing I read seemed to explain it with any kind of clarity. Contrary to what most of us might think, meekness is not timidness. Jesus described himself as "meek and humble of heart". Yet, none of us would say Jesus was weak or timid. He had a gentle strength about him. Meekness is a particular brand of courage and strength. So strength or courage exercised in a meek or humble way is a kingdom value that we ought to seek. We will be blessed and happy when we discover how to exercise courage and strength in a meek and humble way.
Do you know anyone who exercises strength in a meek way? What appeals to you about this person? Would you describe yourself as meek? If not, why not?
Prayer: "Jesus help me to grow in my potential to exercise courage and strength in a gently way."
BEATITUDE #4 - Blessed (happy) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Righteousness has to do with right relationships with truth and justice. In this context it has to do with right relationship with God and others. It is a deep hunger and thirst for doing what is right and true and noble. Most if not all of us want what is true and right but not necessarily in a fiercely intense way. The people in this beatitude are those who will bear ridicule, persecution and even death for what is right, true and just. Jesus tells us that we are blessed if this value burns in our hearts.
To what extent do you have an intense passion for truth and justice? To what extent do you have a strong desire to fight for justice for the oppressed, to stand up for what is true and fair in the marketplace? What hinders you from developing more of your hunger for justice?
Prayer: "Jesus place in my heart a deep desire for a right relationship with you and others. Help me to have a passionate desire for social justice."
BEATITURE #5 - Blessed (happy) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
In the Gospel, mercy is best illustrated in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father embraces his wayward son. It is also shown when Jesus forgives Peter for his threefold denial and shows mercy to the good thief on the cross. The opposite of mercy and compassion is coldness and lack of forgiveness. The true disciple of Jesus seeks to be merciful in all his/her ways. Developing this gospel value will make us happy because it will keep our hearts free of coldness and unforgiveness, which steals our joy.
Would you say you are a merciful person? Or do you tend to hold onto hurts? If merciful, what helps you to be merciful? If not, what hinders you for developing this gospel value?
BEATITUDE #6 - Blessed (happy) are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The pure in heart are primarily those who act with pure motives. Most, if not all of us, mixed motives for doing things. The pure in heart are also sexually chaste inside and outside of marriage. They seek to avoid all forms of manipulation.
Prayer: " Jesus help me to be pure in all my dealings with others."
BEATITUDE #7 - Blessed (happy) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
The faithful disciple of Jesus seeks to live the Prayer of St. Francis: "Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace." He/she seeks to work for peace in his/her family, neighborhood, workplace and wherever else he/she can build bridges between warring individuals and groups and nations. In developing this gospel value, we will be cooperating with Jesus who wants to heal the divisions between nations, relationships, families and individuals.
Would you consider yourself a peacemaker in your relationships with others? To what extent do you experience inner peace? What presently steals your peace?
BEATITUDE # 8 & 9 - "Blessed (happy) are the persecuted for holiness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice for your reward is great in heaven; they persecuted the prophets before you in the very same way."
Some bible translations make two beatitudes out of the above. Some place them together because both have to do with being persecuted for being a disciple of Jesus. For three centuries, Christianity was an outlawed religion. Hence, disciples of Jesus were frequently slandered, persecuted, jailed and put to death. Today, many Christians in Asia and communist countries are persecuted and put to death for their beliefs in Jesus. Others are persecuted for speaking up for the poor and against injustices. Many saints and martyrs considered it a joy to die for Christ. Such is the mighty power of God working in our lives.
Have you ever paid a price for espousing Christian values? Do you think many Americans would stick by Christ if they were persecuted for their faith?
Prayer: "Jesus, sustain all those who are persecuted for their faith. Help me to stand up for what is right, true and just.
Reflection Questions:
What does each beatitude mean to you? What gospel value is it calling you to live? How hard or easy is it for you to live this gospel value? How would living some, if not all of the beatitudes get you into trouble? How would living each of the beatitudes become a blessing in your life?