Beatitudes
February 1, 2026
This week we hear the core teaching of Jesus at the beginning of his Sermon on the Mount. Reflecting on these eight paradoxical statements in these present, complicated days, it’s tempting to try to identify some of the counterpoints to those attitudes that Jesus teaches us are the sources of our blessings, our happiness.
He began to teach them, saying:
“How happy, how blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Unhappy are the over-confident, relying on their own power and success,
for think they have it all together.
“Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.”
Unhappy those who shrug their shoulder and can’t care;
They’ll never know what it is to be consoled.
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.”
Unhappy are the arrogant,
for they acquire only to fill the void within.
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.”
Unhappy are those who choose domination
for their hungers consume themselves and everything around them.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Unhappy are the cruel,
For their reward is ever greater cruelty, given and received.
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.”
Unhappy are the self-indulgent,
for they take refuge in loneliness, manipulation, and abuse.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
Unhappy are the violent, whose power destroys all that is innocent and beautiful.
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Unhappy are the dominators,
who inherit an empty earth scorched by greed.
“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.”
Unhappy, lamenting, bitter are those who live by the lies their false gods have told them;
they have already received their recompense.
Let’s pray we can be courageous enough to find our happiness, our blessings, in the generosity, patience, and grace that Jesus revealed.
Blessings,
