Today’s reading is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is found in Matthew’s Gospel. They are a way to teach about who will find favor with God. We quickly note in this reading that the people whom Jesus calls “blessed” and “happy” are not people we think of as blessed or happy . . . the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted. This Gospel is one of reversals. Jesus’ blueprint for happiness reflects little of what the world might call happiness. Blessed” here is translated as happy, fortunate, or favored.

Beloved, the Beatitudes can be understood as a framework for Christian living. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world, but rather to be first in the eyes of God. By referring to the good things that the faithful will experience, Matthew reminds us that those who act in the manner described in the Beatitudes will find their reward with God. May our divine favour come upon us as we strive to do the things of God and demonstrate neighbourly love through the practice of the Beatitudes. Amen