The Beatitudes:
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 toward another way of living. The beatitudes are in no way trite or undemanding, quite the opposite. We can only practice them if the Holy Spirit fills us with the power and frees us from our weakness, our selfishness, our complacency and our pride.
Let us listen once more to Jesus… Blessed are the poor in spirit… Being poor of heart. Blessed are the meek… Reacting with meekness and humility. Blessed are those who mourn… Knowing how to mourn with others. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… Hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Blessed are the pure in hear… Keeping a heart free of all that tarnishes love. Blessed are the peacemakers… Sowing peace all around us. Blessed are those persecuted for righteous’ sake… Accepting daily the path of the Gospel even though it may cause its problems: all that is holiness.