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Home , Gospel of Matthew, Matthew 5

CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation

February 3, 2008 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A) JUBILEE DAY FOR RELIGIOUS (10:00 am Mass Cathedral)

Gospel reading: :1-12a [To be read aloud]

When 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 . 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 , 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 . Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, 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.”

Brief commentary:

The on the Mount or appears in both the of Matthew and of Luke. In Matthew, it is the first of the five discourses that are a central part of the structure of this gospel. While Luke places the event on a plain, Matthew makes sure that Jesus is on a mountain, like the new , the Teacher who gives the new law. According to Matthew’s theology, the Beatitudes are the new commandments for the community of faith, and unlike Luke, this is addressed not only to the disciples but to the crowds. The section we read today describes those who will be blessed (happy). Among them, “the poor in spirit”: in the , the poor (ănăwim) are those who are without material possessions and whose confidence is in God. Matthew added “in spirit” in order either to indicate that only the devout poor were meant or to extend the beatitude to all, of whatever social rank, who recognized their complete dependence on God. Those who mourn will be comforted by God. Those who seek to do God’s will be satisfied. Those whose hearts are clean will see God, not only in the temple as described by 24:4 and 42:3, but in the coming of the kingdom. Finally, Matthew encourages the early Christians who were being persecuted with the words of Jesus, “your reward will be great in heaven.” The disciples stand in the line of the persecuted of Israel. Some would see the expression as indicating also that Matthew considered all Christian disciples as prophets.

Today’s reading offers three significant messages:

● The Beatitudes are not meant to exalt poverty and suffering, but to assure us that as followers of we can trust God’s love for us and his presence in bad times. ● These blessings came upon some surprising people and turned upside down some of the values of the time that held that wealth and prosperity were signs of God’s favor. ● In a violent society, Jesus blessed the peacemakers, and called them children of God.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

1. Which beatitude do I identify with in my own life?” Explain. 2. Am I an agent of peace in my family, workplace, and community, or am I always fostering violence?

Suggested readings: Catechism of the Catholic paragraphs 544; 581; 764; 1716-1729; 2305; 2518; 2546; 2763.