Friday, June 10, 2011

THE BEATITUDES








“The Beatitudes "are the paradoxical promises that sustain hope in the midst of tribulation." —CCC, 1717
Matthew began the New Testament by repeatedly proclaiming Jesus as God. He called Jesus "Emmanuel," meaning "God is with us" (Mt 1:23
Jesus gave a beautiful speech called the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus began this sermon with the Beatitudes — eight ways to be blessed. The Beatitudes are the following:






"Blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs." —Matthew 5:3







“Blest too are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled." —Matthew 5:4







"Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land." —Matthew 5:5



"Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill." —Matthew 5:6



"Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs." —Matthew 5:7



"Blest are the single-hearted for they shall see God." —Matthew 5:8

"Blest too the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God." —Matthew 5:9





"Blest are those persecuted for holiness' sake; the reign of God is theirs." —Matthew 5:10



Conclusion
If we would live the eight verses of the Bible called "the Beatitudes," just imagine what love, freedom, boldness, and power we would see in the Christian community. We would drastically simplify our lifestyle and see Christian community as a necessity. We would truly be salt with flavor (Mt 5:13) and light with power (Mt 5:14). We would be a repentant, holy, and merciful people, a fearless and exciting Church attacking the gates of hell that cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). We would be very blessed, fully in His kingdom, and willing to live and die for Jesus. Ask the Lord for His grace to live the Beatitudes. He will never tell us to do anything without giving us the power. Live the Beatitudes and be truly blessed in Christ.

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