4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

beatitude pix

Gospel Bullet Points (Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12)

  • In today’s Gospel, the Lord presents to us the 8 Beatitudes—a road map for anyone who seeks to attain true and lasting happiness—the kind of happiness that the world and everything in it cannot give. Another word for true and lasting happiness is “blessedness” or “beatitude”.
  • It is normal for people to seek happiness but often we look for it in the wrong place and in the wrong way. Some believe that one can be happy if he has lots of money, while others believe that happiness is when you have what you want or do what you wish in life. But soon realize that happiness promised by money, prestige, and worldly allurements is fake and short-lived.
  • Take note that the beatitudes preached by Jesus are reversals of the materialistic and worldly concepts of true happiness. To underline this inversion, let me give a quick paraphrase of what one spiritual writer said: While Jesus says: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the materialistic world proclaims: Blessed are the rich. While Jesus says: Blessed are those who mourn, the world proclaims: Blessed are those who are having fun in the malls, disco houses, and beautiful beaches. While Jesus says: Blessed are pure of heart, the world proclaims: Blessed are the sexy and slim in body. While Jesus says, Blessed are the peacemakers, the materialistic world proclaims: Blessed are the newsmakers. While Jesus says: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, the world says: Blessed are those who can afford to offer bribes for they can avoid persecution.
  • The Beatitudes are prescriptions for true happiness—contrary to the kind of happiness that the world offers. If you live by this teaching of the Lord, then rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fray Onz Antonio, OAR

Fray Onz Antonio, OAR

Priest/Religious of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.