The Beatitudes - The Path to True Happiness
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."
Reflection:
The Beatitudes turn the world's values upside down. The world says: Blessed are the rich, the powerful, the famous. Jesus says: Blessed are the poor, the meek, the persecuted.
The Catechism teaches that the Beatitudes "reveal the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of human acts: God calls us to his own beatitude" (CCC 1719). They are not just nice ideals but a roadmap to true happiness—the happiness that comes from union with God.
Each Beatitude describes both a present condition and a future promise. The poor in spirit already possess the kingdom; those who mourn will be comforted. This "already but not yet" quality reminds us that we live between Christ's first and second coming, experiencing foretastes of heaven while awaiting its fullness.
Which Beatitude speaks most to your life right now? Perhaps you are mourning a loss and need to hear the promise of comfort. Perhaps you are called to be a peacemaker in a divided family or workplace. Let Jesus' words penetrate your heart and show you the path to true blessedness.
đź“– Scripture
Matthew 5:3 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, You taught us the way to true happiness in the Beatitudes. Help me to embrace poverty of spirit, to mourn my sins, to be meek and merciful. Purify my heart that I may see You. Make me an instrument of Your peace. Give me courage to endure persecution for Your sake. May I find my joy not in worldly success but in following You. Amen.