Our Attitude
Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13/Psalm 145:6-10/1 Corinthians 1:26-31/Matthew 5:1-12
In today’s gospel he gives us with the beatitudes. The beatitudes are Christ’s commentaries on our attitude. These short phrases give us the perfect outline for authentic Christian life and salvation. Attitude is everything, let us improve on our attitude and live a life that reflects the the gospel truth.
“BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.” We tend to think of the “poor” primarily in terms of finances or possessions. That is part of it, but there is a spiritual side to it too. People who are “poor in spirit” are those who are humble before God. The prophet Zephaniah captures this character in the first reading. They have humbled themselves and repented with deep contrition; and they have come to the king as helpless and hopeless sinners. There is no arrogance in them, no self-righteousness, no self-sufficiency. Paul in the second reading says; they got nothing to boast of, except the Lord’s. Everyone who wishes to enter the kingdom must be “spiritually poor,” for salvation is a gift from God.
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY WILL BE COMFORTED.” God’s people who are in grief shall be consoled. At some point in their lives, everyone suffers heartbreaking and catastrophic losses. But the mourning that leads to comfort in the kingdom is a mourning over the humiliation of Israel and its cause. The nation was in the grips of tyrannical powers and ruthless rulers–because of their sin. Jesus came and announced the kingdom was at hand; He expected the response of people would be tears of contrition. Messiah would comfort those who mourn, but the comfort would come because the Messiah would save them from their sin, the cause of the mourning.
“BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY WILL INHERIT THE EARTH.” The Bible describes the meek as having a spirit of gentleness and self-control; they are free from ill will and a spirit of contempt. The meek do not necessary mean poor for Moses was described as being meek and humble (Num. 12:3). The meek do not take advantage of and oppress others; they do not engage in retaliation or vendettas; they are not violent; and they do not seek to use their position of authority for their own gain. They have emulated the nature of Jesus. This does not mean that they are weak or ineffective in life. The promise says; they will possess the land. Probably the promised land. Possessing the land signified much more than a possession; it signified a sense of place, security, an inheritance from God. How does one become meek?Meekness and gentleness and goodness are part of the fruit of the Spirit–they are produced in the Christian by the Holy Spirit.
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR THEY SHALL BE FILLED”. The phrase “those who thirst for righteousness” refers to more than just good deeds or righteous people. Their enthusiasm for life, which they hunger and thirst for, is described. These people entrust their lives to God and pray for his assistance, just like the underprivileged and the meek do. We need to find out how this urge arises. The majority of Christians desire righteousness, but how can this desire grow so strong? It must also result from the growth of the spiritual life. According to Paul, a spiritual person is one who submits their bodies as tools of righteousness. Thus, it starts with a dedication to God’s will.
“BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY WILL BE SHOWN MERCY.” The meek, the poor in spirit, and those who hunger for righteousness have one thing in common: they live lives that are not self-sufficient but instead turn on others for support. Since they are aware of their own shortcomings, reliance, infirmities, and incompleteness, they can understand pity. And as they receive the King’s generous and forgiving bounty, they are then inspired to extend mercy to others. Forgiveness of the sinner and sympathy for the hurting and the needy are both parts of extending mercy to others.
“BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.” To have a pure heart means that one’s choices, aspirations, and ideas are free from sin, and that one’s intents are set on doing what is right in God’s eyes. Only positive actions, merciful deeds, wishes for justice and fairness, and choices that please God come from those with clean hearts. How may one acquire a pure heart? Thinking differently will help our hearts become increasingly pure as we learn to walk in the light, which is to say, live according to God’s word.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD.” God is the God of peace, and the goal of His entire redemptive scheme is to restore those who were once estranged from God to a state of peace with Him, ultimately bringing about world peace (Isa. 9:6,7). This is the aim of the Messiah’s work. But there is war and strife within the human species, and prospects for peace and harmony are dim. Jesus’ followers ought to be working to advance peace. They achieve this by evangelizing for peace throughout the world and encouraging inter-family harmony.
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF JUSTICE, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.”
When someone tries to uphold morality, advance peace, or lead a life of modesty and kindness in this imperfect world, they encounter opposition. One may anticipate that a life like that would draw others to the kingdom of God. But the fact that it doesn’t naturally accomplish that demonstrates to us unequivocally that the race is not only at odds with God but also rebelling against him. They might desire justice, although on their terms. They rather prefer having money, status, and goods. As a result, John the Baptist preached righteousness and died a young death. Jesus also preached all the correct characteristics, but his teaching encountered resistance because it urged people to enter his kingdom. In our world, people ought to be living for Christ. However, they should be aware that many people find genuine righteousness offensive, so they should be ready for criticism.
LET US PRAY
Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honour you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
