The word beatitude refers to a state of deep happiness or joy. The beatitudes are taught by Jesus as the foundation for a life of authentic Christian discipleship and the attainment of ultimate happiness.
Everything in scripture has significance to growth in our spiritual life. We can read the same verses multiple times and the full meaning is never fully revealed. What a gift to have this “living word” and mystery to guide our journey of life.
As we contemplate the beatitudes, I find it curious that Luke sets the stage for this fundamental teaching with this physical description: “He came down with them and stood on a level place.” When we allow God to be with us, eye to eye and central in our life, we are on level ground. We stand on solid footing and not tossed about by our beautiful and broken lives. This requires the grace of a pure heart.
Jesus reveals that sanctity is attainable by all. Rather than an esoteric doctrine for a spiritual elite, Jesus declares blessed the poor, the hungry, the weeping, the hated—all whose hearts cry out in longing and expectation for what can only be satisfied by God. Blessed are those who trust not in themselves but in the Lord, refusing to be discouraged by their own fragility, limitations, and needs. Because our hope rests on a fact—“Christ has been raised from the dead”—we need not fear the heat, distress, or droughts that afflict us. In Christ, we will bear unfading fruit and share in his Resurrection.
It is those who recognize their inner poverty and their complete dependence on God who possess the kingdom of God. Let’s pray for the grace of perseverance in our fidelity to God.
Smitten With Goodness 