Through Lent with Pope Francis
Although Jesus’ words may strike us as poetic, they clearly run counter to the way things are usually done in our world. Even if we find Jesus’ message attractive, the world pushes us towards another way of living. The Beatitudes are in no way trite or undemanding, quite the opposite. We can only practise them if the Holy Spirit fills us with his power and frees us from our weakness, our selfishness, our complacency and our pride.
Gaudete et exsultate
Scripture
Matthew 5:1-8 NCB
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain.
After he was seated, his disciples gathered around him.
Then he began to teach them as follows:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.”
Thought for Today
Often considered the central focus of the teaching of Jesus, the Beatitudes are well worth pondering. For a Christian, not to see if we agree with them, but rather to ponder on how they are true.
Music
Beatitudes, written and sung by John Alexander Wilson