Today’s Gospel reading in Matthew is the beloved Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus Christ offers us the guide to living the Gospel Life through The Beatitudes, for in following these actions of mercy lead us to Heaven.
The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus’ preaching. They take up the promises made to the chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfill the promises by ordering them no longer merely to the possession of a territory, but to the Kingdom of heaven. (Catechism of the Catholic Church – 1716)
Sermon on the Mount – 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.”
The Beatitudes – Apostleship of Prayer
LINKS
Pope Francis: ‘The Beatitudes guide us on the path of Christian life’ (Vatican Radio) – morning homily on June 6, 2016
St. Augustine’s Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount (Crisis Magazine)
NEW Book: The Beatitudes of Peace by John Dear (pace e bene)
