LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE BEATITUDES
When Jesus goes up the mountain and sits down to announce the Beatitudes, there’s a crowd around him, but only «the disciples come close» to him to listen better to his message. What do we disciples of Jesus today hear if we come close to him?
Blessed are «the poor in spirit», those who know how to live with little, trusting always in God. Blessed is a Church with the soul of the poor because she will have less problems, will be more attentive to those in need and will live the Gospel more freely. Of her is God’s reign.
Blessed are «those who suffer», those who live with a kindly and merciful heart. Blessed a Church full of meekness. She will be a gift for this world so full of violence. She will inherit the promised land.
Blessed are «those who mourn», because they unjustly suffer trials and margination. With them can be created a better and more worthy world. Blessed the Church who suffers for being faithful to Jesus. One day she will be consoled by God.
Blessed are «those who hunger and thirst for justice», those who haven’t lost the desire to be more just or the eagerness to make a more worthy world. Blessed the Church who passionately seeks God’s reign and God’s justice. In her will be encouraged the best of the human spirit. One day her yearning will be satisfied.
Blessed are «the merciful» who act, work and go about moved by compassion. They are the ones who on the earth most resemble the Father of heaven. Blessed the Church for whom God takes out her heart of stone and gives her a heart of flesh. She will obtain mercy.
Blessed are «those who work for peace» patiently and faithfully, seeking the good for everyone. Blessed the Church who introduces peace to the world and not discord, reconciliation and not confrontation. She will be a «child of God».
Blessed are those who are «persecuted for the sake of justice» and respond humbly to injustices and offenses. They help us to conquer evil by good. Blessed the Church persecuted for following Jesus. Of her is God’s reign.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
