Reflection for June 8 Monday of the 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:

The story is told of a man who believed that he could find happiness in this world, so he pursued the things that the world had to offer. He spent much of his time and energy chasing after worldly pleasures, possessions, and achievements, thinking that these would satisfy the deepest desires of his heart. Yet, after all his efforts, he discovered that worldly happiness was not the key to true and lasting joy.

In our Gospel, Jesus presents to us the Eight Beatitudes. But what does the word beatitude mean? Simply put, it means happiness—not the kind of happiness that the world promises, but the happiness that comes from God. It is happiness according to the heart of Jesus, a happiness rooted not in what we possess, but in who we are before God.

How do we define happiness? Do we measure it according to the standards of this world? Many of us may be tempted to believe that happiness can be found in wealth, power, success, popularity, or in having everything that the world can offer. Yet, despite all these things, many hearts remain restless and unfulfilled.

Jesus invites us to a different path. Through the Beatitudes, He teaches us that true happiness is found in humility, mercy, purity of heart, righteousness, peacemaking, and faithful perseverance even in the midst of trials. The happiness that Jesus offers is not temporary or dependent on circumstances; it is a deep and abiding joy that comes from living in communion with God.

Let us therefore seek our happiness and fulfillment in Jesus and in the Beatitudes He has given us. Let us trust that His way leads not to disappointment but to the fullness of life. Throughout history, Jesus has never turned away anyone who sincerely sought happiness in Him and in His teachings. He continues to welcome us, guide us, and transform our hearts whenever we place our trust in Him.

As we reflect on the Beatitudes, let us allow the Lord to examine our hearts. Perhaps we have been searching for happiness in places that can never truly satisfy us. Perhaps we have been relying more on worldly standards than on God's wisdom. Today, Jesus gently reminds us that real happiness is found in following Him and living according to His Gospel.

May we have the courage to embrace the values of the Beatitudes and allow them to shape our thoughts, choices, and way of life. For it is in Jesus and in His teachings that we discover the happiness for which our hearts were created.

Where does our happiness lie today? Are we seeking it in the passing treasures of this world, or are we willing to follow Jesus and find our true joy in Him, no matter what it may cost us?– Marino J. Dasmarinas