Gospel of the day

From the Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.’

An Scan of the Heart of Jesus

We often recommend turning our gaze towards the Heart of Christ when reading the Gospel. Today, we suggest it especially, because Jesus speaks to us about happiness — and straight away, we tend to focus on finding the key to happiness, hoping that at last… it might fully arrive.

But if Jesus describes who the blessed are, it is because He desires to make them blessed. Therefore, by meditating on the Beatitudes, we are delving into the very longings of the Heart of Jesus.

Brought into Married Life

Clara: We often pray to be in the Heart of Jesus and to live everything from within it. But how can we actually do that?

Leo: Certainly by getting to know Him — so that we may have “the same mind as Christ Jesus.” And for that, there’s no better ultrasound than the Beatitudes. In them, He reveals His deepest desires.

Clara: For example, His special tenderness towards those most in need. He watches over you especially when you need Him most.

Leo: And His love for those who suffer for His sake — how deeply He loves you when you are criticised for loving Him.

Clara: Or for those who show mercy. How much I should value you each time you reach out to someone despite their sin.

Leo: And for those who strive to bring about God’s will, as He did, offering themselves to bring peace. We are truly in His Heart when we carry our cross to bring His peace to others.

Clara: And then there are the pure of heart. I see there especially those whom Jesus called His mother and His brothers — those who hear the Word and keep it. How deeply He values that kind of sincerity and faithfulness. That’s what He wants for us too — no criticism, no complaints, no double-heartedness.

Leo: There’s so much to learn about the Heart of Jesus in the Beatitudes, isn’t there?

Clara: I love it. I need to keep praying with them to discover even more.

Mother,

With you, my spirit rejoices in God.

Praise be to Him.