The Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12) serve as the foundation or the basis of all the teachings of Jesus. He now acts as the "New Moses" who teaches not only his disciples, but also the crowds (all people) who gather around him. Christ's profound wisdom is contained in the beatitudes. It is considered to be the road map for people who search for happiness and fulfillment in life. It is likewise considered to be the "Magna Carta" of Christianity.

As humans, we are always in search of happiness and fulfillment in life. The World tells us that if we have the power and influence, all the money we can buy, all the pleasure we could have and all popularity, we must be happy and find meaning in life. But this is not the case. Our second reading today reminds us not to rely on and trust human standards, which are based on philosophies, but rely on the teachings of Jesus because He is the incarnate "Wisdom of God.” The way to happiness that He offers us guarantees us, not a fleeting and limited happiness, but everlasting happiness and fulfillment.

Indeed, the gospel today showcases the "Wisdom of God" as aptly and beautifully expressed in the Beatitudes. I would like to make commentary on each of the beatitudes.

Blessed are the poor in Spirit. This is the basis of true happiness which is to accept our poverty before God, that is, acknowledging that we are truly in need of Him for his mercy, compassion and the gift of salvation. Acknowledging that without Him in our life, we cannot accomplish anything that is worthwhile in this world. True wealth does not lie in having possessions, but in allowing God to possess us by humbling ourselves before his presence, accepting that we are nothing and God is everything.

Blessed are they who mourn. In times of sorrow and loss, we are truly blessed when we run to God for comfort, solace and peace. If we can run to God for empathy and sympathy, we allow God to embrace and cuddle us in our pain and suffering.

Blessed are the meek. We are truly blessed when we are able to emulate the humility and meekness of Jesus. He always invites us: "Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart." It is in humility and meekness that we find it easy to show mercy and kindness to others.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. By trying to be just and righteous every day, that is, to do what is good and right, God will show the path to holiness and righteousness. Obedience to his commands, like St. Joseph, is a concrete expression of being just and righteous.

Blessed are those who are merciful. We are truly blessed when we easily show mercy and forgiveness to those people who hurt and cause us pain. Remember the injunction of Jesus: "Be merciful as my heavenly Father is merciful." It implies that we should not harbor any resentment or ill feeling toward any person. To get even, to seek revenge and to inflict harm on others are signs that we are not merciful and forgiving. On the contrary, we even risk our salvation because we do not follow the command of Jesus to forgive. And we even fail to live up the prayer of the Lord: "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us." How can we obtain God's forgiveness, if we cannot even forgive those who wrong us? Mind you, the measure that we give to others will be the same measure that God will give us.

Blessed are the pure of heart. Like David, we have always to seek the heart of God which is pure, that is, empty of any selfishness, self-centeredness, impurity in thoughts, words and deeds, with the deep aspiration to see and behold the face of God. Purity of heart implies that we acknowledge our own body and the bodies of others as the reflection of God's image. Thus, we have to shun away from any form of pornography and sensuality.

Blessed are the peacemakers. As Christians, we have to shun away from conflict, wars and division, but strive ourselves to be instruments of peace and understanding. We have one common Father who desires that his children will live in harmony and unity. The Father is sad and hurt when he sees his children fighting and not living in harmony. Peace is attainable when there is peace in our hearts and within ourselves. As the song tells us: "Let there be peace on earth, let it begin with me..."

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. As Christians, we should be ready to stand firm in our beliefs, convictions and in our faith even in the midst of opposition, persecution and martyrdom. It is by our faithfulness to Christ and his teachings and by our perseverance that we will receive the crown of glory.

Let us make the Beatitudes of Jesus be our guide and road map towards righteousness, holiness and goodness. We will be truly blessed by God as we strive and keep the spirit of the Beatitudes every day of our life. Amen.

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