Readings
I - Zeph. 2: 3; 3: 12-13
II - 1 Cor. 1: 26-31
III - Mt. 5: 1-12
THE BEATTITUDES
The world considers the rich and the well of as ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’ people. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls those labelled and branded by the world as ‘cursed’, ‘ill-fated’ and a ‘threat’ because they choose to live by high ideals of life, as ‘Blessed’. He encourages and consoles them with the reward that awaits them. With the Sermon on the Mount Jesus sets the parameter for Gospel living, the sufferings on its account and the reward for enduring false accusations and sufferings inflicted on this accord.
Whenever we are pushed to tight corner because of our choices, dare to choose God again and again and suffer for the same, we may hear in the silence of our hearts God calling us ‘Blessed’ and filling us with His peace and joy; and this is heaven. Heaven is not a place but a state. The world runs after pleasure that is perishable mistaking it to be happiness but as Christians are supposed to strive for Gospel and its values and that is happiness and peace. Start living by the way of the Lord and make the place where you are a heaven.
