When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Live a Blessed Life
In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples the 8 Beatitudes. I think of them as the 8 B-Attitudes, the 8 Blessed-Attitudes. When I reflect on them, I hear a description of the Blessed life Jesus lived.
Jesus was poor in spirit. He did not come to earth in wealth and power. “Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance.” (PHIL 2:7)
Jesus mourned the sin of the world so much that He gave His life on the cross to defeat sin.
Jesus was meek: “Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” (MT 11:29)
Jesus hungered and thirsted for righteousness. He called many Pharisees and Sadducees “a brood of vipers” (MT 3:7), and He ate and drank with sinners to call them to righteousness.
Jesus was merciful when he saved the woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death.
Jesus was clean of heart. He never sinned, and He always sought to do the will of the Father.
Jesus was a peacemaker. He drove demons out of many, giving them peace. And He taught us: “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (MT 5:23-24)
Jesus was persecuted and died on the cross for the sake of righteousness! His is the Kingdom of Heaven!
Come, Holy Spirit! Help me to use Your gifts to be more righteous and follow Jesus more closely – living a Blessed Life, so that I may join Him in the Kingdom of Heaven! Amen.
More Catholic Gospel Reflections
Breaking the Bread (Scott Hahn & Ken Ogorek): stpaulcenter.com/breakingthebread-set
The Word of the Lord (Dr. John Bergsma): stpaulcenter.com/thewordofthelord-set
The Liturgical Sense of The Readings at Mass – Year A by David L. Gray
Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Cycle A) (Food for the Soul Series)
Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year A
The Word of the Lord: Reflections on the Mass Readings for Solemnities and Feasts
Through the Year with Jesus: Gospel Readings and Reflections for Children
Infographic: Pope Francis’ 6 Beatitudes For Young People
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