Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes

Today’s inspired reading is from The Gospel According to Matthew. Jesus gave the “Sermon on the Mount” in which he preached what are now known as the Beatitudes. 

The Beatitudes are how we as followers of Christ are different from nonbelievers. The Beatitudes call us to go above and beyond society’s expectations of goodness, to be more than good enough. 

Jesus raises the bar on how we as followers of Christ, should feel and conduct ourselves on the inside. We can “act Christian” but God knows our hearts.

The Beatitudes provide us an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. We can examine each one and see where we are and where there is room for improvement.

The Beatitudes

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

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

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

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

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall 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, 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. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

(Matthew 5:3-12, New American Bible, Revised Edition)