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The Beatitudes



Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12a
How happy are the poor in spirit

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
    theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
    they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
    they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
    they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
    they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
    they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
    they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
    theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

Reflection
In the Beatitudes, Jesus overturns worldly expectations of happiness. True blessedness is found not in strength or wealth, but in spiritual poverty, gentleness, and hungering for righteousness. These promises are a comfort and a challenge: God’s kingdom belongs to the humble, the mourning, the peacemakers. Even persecution for Christ’s sake is met with rejoicing, for it unites us with the prophets and secures a heavenly reward. This is an invitation to live with a different heartbeat—one that finds joy in divine fidelity, not circumstance.

Question
Which of the Beatitudes feels most challenging for you to embrace in your life right now, and why?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you call the humble and the hungry blessed. Give me a heart that seeks your righteousness above all, courage to be a peacemaker, and grace to rejoice even in hardship, trusting in your eternal promise. Amen.


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