By David Peter csc –
Readings: 2 Cor 1:1-7; Mt 5: 1-12
The first reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians gives us the message that God the Father is merciful, and he is the God of consolation. This assurance of St. Paul reminds us of our God’s consolation in our time of affliction. The beatitudes stand as the center of our Christian life.
Each beatitude has a lot of meaning for us. Let us reflect briefly on each beatitude. The ‘poor in spirit’ means to have trust in the divine providence. ‘Those who mourn will be comforted,’ assures that even in our sorrow, guilt of sin, and brokenness, God is there to comfort us. ‘Meek will inherit the earth,’ invites us to be meek and humble. In humbling oneself, we will inherit the earth and hearts of people.
‘Hunger and thirst for righteousness’ means to grow in goodness and have passion to live in righteousness before God and others. Jesus says in being merciful, we receive mercy, it leads us to be ready to forgive them. When we love and forgive others, we will be forgiven. The beatitude of a ‘pure heart’ demands us to examine ourselves. It questions us about our motives and attitudes towards our duties and actions.
This invites us to have the right thoughts to destroy the evil motives of our heart and mind. We are also called to be ‘peacemakers’, which means that not only do we live in peace but make others experience peace through our right words, deeds, actions, and relationships. The last beatitude is the most important for all of us. It is an invitation to prepare oneself to be ‘persecuted for the sake of God’ and prove oneself as an authentic disciple of God.