Reflection for June 6, Monday, Tenth Week in Ordinary Time; Matthew 5:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

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.

Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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Reflection:

There was a man who wanted to be happy; he chased the cravings of the world: riches, popularity, power, lust, recognition and many more worldly things. He achieved all of those things but in spite of it all he came out empty and broken. He was still yearning for something.

While in deep thought in their house he chanced upon a dusty Bible he opened it and accidentally read on this Gospel reading (Matthew 5:1-12). He read and re-read the Gospel until it dawned on him that it was the answer to the happiness that he’s been searching for.

He practiced and lived the eight beatitudes and he finally experienced the fountain of happiness that he has been longing for so long.

The Gospel about the eight (8) Beatitudes is a paradox if we compare it with the standards of this world. For example: how can we be blessed and how can the kingdom of heaven be ours if we are materially and spiritually poor. Isn’t it more appropriate to say: Blessed are the rich in spirit for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Isn’t it more appropriate to say: Blessed are those who are joyful instead of blessed are those who mourn.

There’s a contradiction for each eight Beatitudes based on our worldly standards. But Jesus is challenging us to follow His teachings of the Beatitudes for it is here where we would find true happiness and peace.

On John 14:27 Jesus tells us: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

Are you willing to embrace Jesus’ teachings of the Beatitudes? – Marino J. Dasmarinas