Gospel Matthew 5:1-12
How happy are the poor in spirit
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’
Life is a journey and we’re all made to head for heaven, the blessedness of sharing fully with all the saints in the life and love of God himself. The gospel passage today comprises the beatitudes – sayings of Jesus, which if we take them to heart will open us to receive God’s blessings. They are rather like a sat-nav, showing us whether we are on the journey, whether we are heading in the right direction and encouraging us on the way to our heavenly goal. They express basic attitudes to God, to other people and to life as a whole. If we allow them to challenge and inspire us, we will come closer to Him and more able to share His love with others. We need to ponder on them, to discover how to put them into practice in our own personal situations, in thought and deed. Each time we make them a reality in our life brings us a step nearer our ultimate destination; It is encouraging to know that all the saints who have followed the same way are praying for us and cheering us on, till the day when, through the grace of God, we too have the joy of joining their company.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise you for all the saints who have now reached the ‘true land of the living’. May we too follow the way you have pointed out, and come at last to share their joy in the heavenly homeland you have promised us, where you live and reign for with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen
