OT 4 A – The Beatitudes

January 29, 2023
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In today’s Gospel selection from St. Mathew, we read a list of virtues that Jesus found important for his followers.  We call this list “The Beatitudes.”

We read:

When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.   He began to teach them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 7 for they will be satisfied. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, 9 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven” (Matthew 5: 1-12a).

This list of qualities is pretty profound, isn’t it?  One could spend a lifetime not only reflecting on it, but striving to adopt these qualities in their life.