Matthew 5:1-12
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
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 receive 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 for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
In God's Heart
Last Sunday, we were invited to reflect upon Jesus choosing His disciples and starting to teach and preach in Galilee. This Sunday, it is proposed that we reflect upon Jesus' "Beatitudes," where Matthew summarizes the entire pastoral teachings of Jesus.
He speaks to His disciples among the crowd. He knows that many of those who are present may not accept His teaching. This is how Matthew describes Him speaking to His own disciples where the crowd can hear.
Matthew introduces us to Jesus climbing the mountain, comparing Him to other great biblical figures like Abraham, who was called to offer his sacrifice on a mountain, like Moses who saw the burning bush and received the ten commandments on Mt. Horeb, and like Elijah who offered his sacrifice on Mt. Carmel.
For Eastern nations, a mountain represents a place where heaven and earth meet, where humans are closer to God - to whom they can tell their needs, and where heaven descends and reveals itself to earth. Jesus' teaching on the mountain is seen as heaven's renewed teaching for a new earth, a piece of heaven on earth.
Fr. Kamal’s photo of the Church of the Beatitudes by the Sea of Galilee
In the first twelve verses of chapter five, Jesus lays the cornerstone upon which the whole structure is built. This cornerstone is the constant presence of God, through Christ, in the believer and the believer's living in His presence, as the Apostle Paul did. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" Galatians 2:20. We also remember Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
When God is present in each moment of our lives, life takes on a meaning that transcends the events of the past and the present. This is how the first beatitude "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" is seen through eastern eyes! Having the kingdom of heaven is having God's presence in your heart, and reciprocating with your presence in God's heart.
All other beatitudes are to be understood and lived according to this principle. Those poor in spirit are permanently longing for God's presence in their hearts and minds. That's enough to keep the heart pure, the sad consoled, the hungry and the thirsty satisfied, the merciful shown mercy, the persecuted rewarded and those who feel lonely or afraid confident in God's providence.
May we think about this fundamental bedrock of our faith before we proceed with the next three chapters (5-7). There we hear Jesus fulfilling the prophecies and announcing God's sanctity and love. He likes to see humans enjoy their lives by emulating Him in sanctity and love, living in His heart.
Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us to understand and live what Jesus teaches. From the Mount of Beatitudes, blessings for those who continue to follow the way, the truth and the life in Jesus' Person.