Today’s Gospel (Mt 5:1-12) presents us with the beginning of the great teaching of Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount, which covers chapter 5:1–7:28 of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew the Evangelist presents Jesus as the fulfiller of Old Testament prophecies who came not to abrogate the Laws and the Prophets, but to fulfil them (Mt 5:17). Hence, just as Moses went up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God (Ex 31:18), so did Jesus in today’s Gospel passage go up the mountain to proclaim the new covenant — the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes are not Laws like the Ten Commandments which instruct one on what is or is not acceptable behaviour in one’s relationship with God or neighbour. They are rather a call to take higher ground in our relationship with one another; to empty oneself like Christ — to humbly seek the Lord and to live with integrity of life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. St Paul tells us that this world is passing away, hence we must not be engrossed with material things (1 Cor 7:31). Being poor in spirit is to acknowledge that but for the grace of God our wealth would not accrue to us. It frees our hearts from being envious of the property or gifts of others.

Happy the gentle — they shall have the earth for their heritage. This beatitude may appear as if Jesus is advocating for weakness. No — Jesus himself espoused this virtue when he rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey rather than a horse. Here Jesus is urging us to shun pomposity.

Happy are those who mourn, they shall be comforted. These are those who decry evil and moral decadence in our society — those who do not justify sin but work very hard to eradicate it, and who console those who are bereaved or are going through catastrophic experiences.

Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, they shall be satisfied. These are those who fight for a just society and use the resources at their disposal to eradicate structural injustices.

Happy are the merciful — for they shall have mercy shown to them. Here Jesus is advocating that we be compassionate with each other and not be vengeful. Jesus always treated people with respect and compassion; he despised no one. Even the outcasts of society like the lepers were treated with dignity and respect.

Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. At our Baptism our hearts were immaculate — pure. When we soil our hearts through sin, we are invited to restore them to purity by availing ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Happy are the peacemakers — they shall be called children of God. Jesus is the King of Peace. He invites you to be an agent of peace in your family and community. We realise that the absence of war does not automatically equate to peace. Peace is something we consciously work for.

Happy are those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Some people are persecuted like Jesus for doing good. Jesus assures us that if we are persecuted for doing good — for being his disciples — a great reward awaits us in the hereafter.