Happy?

In the Jerusalem translation of St Matthew that we read at Mass this Sunday, the Greek word ‘Marcarios’ translates as ‘Happy’.

How happy are the poor in spirit… happy the gentle… happy those who mourn…happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right…happy the merciful, happy the poor in heart…happy the peacemakers…happy are those who are persecuted in the course of right, happy are you when people abuse you on my account. Some people do not like this translation – it seems too superficial to use the word happy.

We talk about “a Happy Meal” at McDonald’s. It is associated with emotions. They prefer ‘blessed’. The Latin word is “beatitudo”. The Jesuit, Nicholas King, in his translation, uses the word ‘Congratulations’. Congratulations to the poor in spirit. He says in his commentary that we are not prepared for the shock that follows this astonishing list of those who are to be congratulated: the destitute, the sad, the meek, those concerned for justice, the merciful, those who concentrate exclusively on God, those who refuse to go down the road of violence, those who are persecuted. Jesus begins setting a topsy-turvy universe aright.

At the end of his teaching on the beatitudes, Reniero Cantalamessa OFM CAP says, “The best way to take the Gospel beatitudes seriously is to use them as a mirror for an examination of conscience that is truly ‘evangelical’”.

Here are some questions that can help;

Is my deepest desire for God or for passing things that only bring temporary comfort?
Do I depend on good feelings, or do I accept that doing God’s will sometimes involves the acceptance of enormous pain?
Am I seduced by power, or am I prepared to allow God’s power to reign in me?
Do I strive for holiness, or am I, at times, satisfied with mediocrity and lukewarmness?
When a brother, a sister, or a co-worker demonstrates a fault, do I react with judgment or mercy?
Are my intentions pure? Do I say yes and no as Jesus did? The clearest opposite of purity of heart is hypocrisy. Whom do I seek to please by my actions: God or other people?
Am I addicted to the approval of others?
Am I a peacemaker? Do I bring peace to different sides? How do I behave when there are conflicts of opinion or conflicts of interest?
Is the peace of God in my heart, and if not, why not?
Am I ready to suffer in silence for the gospel? How do I react when facing a wrong or an injury I received?

When we read or listen to the Beatitudes, we have a portrait of Jesus himself. He gives us these beatitudes as a way of true happiness that will lead us to the fullness of life.