When we are empty inside, wenn we are down, Jesus looks to us and says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” Mt 5,3 When we sincerely and deeply wish to follow him, he says: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt 11,29).
We know the Beatitudes. After this opening of the mountain sermon, the Lord addresses his listeners, who are before him. He is addressing us. And speaks out the pleasant command: “Rejoice and be glad!” (Mt 5,12). These two words give an interpretation for the beatitude. And we are celebrating and we are glad over the goodness of God.
Who were those persons, to whom Jesus was tell his words? The evangelist Matthew writes about that. Peter and Andrew had followed Jesus, like also John and James. Finally – in the next scene – the great crowds came and followed Jesus. They are the ones! The numerous multitude standing before Jesus.
The great crowds of the listeners that heard the beatitudes were no anonymous multitude, but rather they were able to discover its own identity in the words of Jesus. Some might have thought for themselves immediately: “That is what we are!” – when they heard about those who mourn and who are persecuted. We ourselves are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The Beatitudes apply to everyone. Their secret is known to us from the gospel. the pure in heart, are those who Jesus freed from evil spirits. The peacemakers are like the risen Lord when he comes and says: “peace to you!” The merciful ones have a deep sentiment. They have that sympathy of God, described by the prophet: Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isa 49,15)
October 19th, 2006
