"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven"
Reading 1 : Zep 2:3; 3:12-13 Responsorial Psalm : Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
Reading 2 : 1 Cor 1:26-31 Gospel : Mt 5:1-12a
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Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12a
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to
him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'
sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when men revile you and
persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be
glad, for your reward is great in heaven
Meditation:
What is the good life, the ultimate end and the purpose of life? Is it not happiness, which is none
other than the complete good, the sum of all goods, leaving nothing more to be desired? Jesus
addresses this question in his sermon on the mount. The word beatitude literally means
"happiness" or "blessedness". What is the significance of Jesus' beatitudes, and why are they so
central to his teaching? The beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness that God has
placed in every heart. They teach us the final end to which God calls us, namely the coming of
God's kingdom (Matthew 4:17), the vision of God (Matthew 5:8; 1 John 2;1), entering into the joy
of the Lord (Matthew 25:21-23) and into his rest (Hebrews 4:7-11). Jesus' beatitudes also confront
us with decisive choices concerning the life we pursue here on earth and the use we make
of the goods he puts at our disposal. God alone satisfies. Do you seek the highest good, the total
good, which is above all else?
The beatitudes which Jesus offers us are a sign of contradiction to the world's understanding of
happiness and joy. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution?
Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure
possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow
and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and spiritual
oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness.
Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the
troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No one can live
without joy. That is why a person deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures.
What is the good life, the ultimate end and the purpose of life? Is it not happiness, which is none
other than the complete good, the sum of all goods, leaving nothing more to be desired? Jesus
addresses this question in his sermon on the mount. The word beatitude literally means
"happiness" or "blessedness". What is the significance of Jesus' beatitudes, and why are they so
central to his teaching? The beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness that God has
placed in every heart. They teach us the final end to which God calls us, namely the coming of
God's kingdom (Matthew 4:17), the vision of God (Matthew 5:8; 1 John 2;1), entering into the joy
of the Lord (Matthew 25:21-23) and into his rest (Hebrews 4:7-11). Jesus' beatitudes also confront
us with decisive choices concerning the life we pursue here on earth and the use we make
of the goods he puts at our disposal. God alone satisfies. Do you seek the highest good, the total
good, which is above all else?
The beatitudes which Jesus offers us are a sign of contradiction to the world's understanding of
happiness and joy. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution?
Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure
possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow
and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and spiritual
oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness.
Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the
troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No one can live
without joy. That is why a person deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures.
Questions for Personal Reflection :
1. How significant is Jesus’ beatitudes in reference to your own life?
2. God alone satisfies, do you seek him in the highest good above all else?
1. How significant is Jesus’ beatitudes in reference to your own life?
2. God alone satisfies, do you seek him in the highest good above all else?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing :
1. What does happiness and joy mean in your life?
2. Do you know the happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
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"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting peace
and happiness. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will".
1. What does happiness and joy mean in your life?
2. Do you know the happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
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"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting peace
and happiness. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will".
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