The Beautitudes
For the next few Sundays until Lent begins (Ash Wednesday 18th February), our Gospel readings are from what we commonly refer to as the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. This weekend we begin the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. As it says in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So, if anyone asks: ‘What must one do to be a good Christian?’ – the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes we find a portrait of the Master, which we are called to reflect in our daily lives.
The Greek word μακάριος (makarios) can be translated as blessed, happy or fortunate. What we are given here is the real recipe for happiness. The Confirmation group last Sunday were grappling with the question, ‘What is happiness?’ As we listen to the words of Jesus this weekend, let us ask ourselves these questions:—
- Where does my happiness lie?
- Do I have my own agenda – perhaps a series of goals that, if achieved, will bring me all I desire?
- Does my happiness lie in wealth, goods or lifestyle?
- Do I find myself to be an essentially unhappy person, perhaps enjoying moments of satisfaction with my life, but generally disillusioned, perhaps cynical?
It is important to remember: the Beatitudes show us the way to true happiness, to blessedness. They call us to a value system that is bound up with the following of Christ. He is the One who calls us, leads us to true happiness. The qualities of life that Jesus offers us may seem very difficult to grasp. They demand perseverance, self-giving and openness to the Cross. They call us to poverty of spirit, to gentleness, to peace and to mercy — qualities that are so often lacking in this world of ours. Along with all of these, goes the possibility of rejection by those around us. And yet, here is true blessedness, true happiness, for we shall be following consciences moulded by Jesus himself and, in following his way, we embrace the vision of his Kingdom. A vision which brings a peace the world cannot give.
The Beatitudes always lead to joy, so I invite you to take the Gospel of Matthew in hand and read chapter 5, verses 1 to 11, perhaps a couple of times during the week, in order to understand this beautiful and secure path to happiness that the Lord proposes to us.
