OUR SUNDAY CELEBRATION

   ALL SAINTS DAY / A               01 NOVEMBER 2020

     

 

                                                               THE BEATITUDES  

REFLECTIONS ON THE GOSPEL (Matthew 5: 1-12)

                                THE BEATITUDES

The gospel of the Beatitudes is often read at funerals and weddings.  In its own way, it sounds comforting and indeed it is. However, it is also very challenging – which suggests that ‘Blessed’ is a better rendering of the opening word in each case than ‘Happy’.

Jesus is instructing his disciples concerning the kind o people they must be, not just for themselves but for the benefit of the mass of afflicted people down below the mountain, who he has just healed.

 

To this end, the beatitudes describe ways of living that mean putting oneself in a vulnerable situation quite contrary to the values of the world. To be ‘poor in spirit,’ rather than proud and dominant; to feel compassion (‘mourn’) because of other people suffer; to have a passionate commitment (‘thirst’) for justice; to exercise ‘mercy’ rather than taking advantage of those in an inferior position; to actively promote reconciliation (as ‘peacemakers’); and so forth: all these things make one vulnerable here and now, entailing much loss.

But in light of the hope for the kingdom of God, whose values the Beatitudes inshrine, disciples who adopt this way of life are already ‘blessed’. Their future happiness is in the hands of an ever-faithful God.

Moreover, living in this way means that they can be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ for the world, especially for the afflicted. It is those who are prepared to live in the vulnerable way commended by Jesus who make the world a hospitable home for all humanity. This is the legacy of the ‘saints’ who have gone before us.

Brendan Byrne, SJ

LYRICS (The Beatitudes):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IRuSc5-VUw

 

Ca Mừng Các Thánh - Hoài Chiên:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRi6Gc1k-lc