The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 5: 1-12a
1. A word of introduction
Everyone longs for happiness. Jesus in today’s Gospel gives eight tips on how to be happy. This is a reliable “instruction manual” for life. These words of Jesus are often considered to be the Constitution of Christians.
2. Key Words
Blessed
The Greek word “makarioi” is often translated as “blessed,” but it literally means “happy.” Let’s read again one of the most important texts of the Bible:
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.
St. John Paul II called Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati “a man of blessings.” Pier Giorgio was a cheerful, smiling, sporty young man who loved the mountains and used to say that one should live and not vegetate (vivere non vivacchiare). The eight blessings the Lord has given us tell us how to live life to the fullest and not just vegetate from day to day.
3.Today
Jesus was the first to live the beatitudes. We see it in the Gospel. Since God himself lived this way on earth, it means that this is the best way.
If we want to follow Jesus in everyday life, it is worth asking before making daily decisions: What would Jesus do in my situation?
