“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

The major theme for this fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on our Christian goal of eternal happiness that we all desire, and our attitudes and actions necessary to reach it. Jesus’ Beatitudes form the outline for the Christ-like living, giving the personal qualities expected of a disciple of Jesus and pointing out the way of life to be lived by his disciple.

The Beatitudes show us the values that Christ cares about. In essence, the Beatitudes both fulfill and complete the Ten Commandments, which stress the “Thou shalt nots.” However, Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, as the virtues in life that will ultimately lead to the rewards of eternal happiness -- not only in this world, but also in the next.   

The Beatitudes begin with the word “beātī” in Latin, which translates to "happy, rich, or blessed (plural adjective), someone being held in reverence (venerated), or honored in worship (hallowed), or enjoying extreme happiness, pleasure, contentment, good fortune, blissfulness, ecstasy, rapture, rhapsody, swoon, in a state of elated bliss.”  

The Beatitudes respond to our natural desire for happiness. This desire is of divine origin: God has placed it in our heart to draw us to the One who alone can fulfill it (CCC #1718) and to bring us to the eternal paradise (CCC #1721). Therefore, the Beatitudes reveal the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of human acts: God calls us to his own beatitude. This vocation is addressed to everyone personally, but also to the Church (CCC #1719).

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to accept and practice the Beatitudes especially in the Ordinary Time, to imitate and follow our savior Jesus Christ, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure, and talents to love God above all and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God. 

How can we help each other choose the way of God wisely and respond to the challenge of the Beatitudes in our life? 

Wishing you a very happy and blessed week in the Lord.