Lenten eMeditation – March 4, 2005 #24
<p>My daily reading includes a frequent stop to Beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com). The headline for the lead story on Friday, March 4, 2005 was, “The Wrong Commandments.” The first paragraph teaser said, “A leading evangelical proposes a Supreme Court solution. Post the kinder, gentler Beatitudes instead—after all, they come straight from Jesus.” </p>

<p>I’ve never thought of the Beatitudes as kinder or gentler than the Ten Commandments. The people who heard the Sermon on the Mount much like us to day thought that to be rich and powerful was a sign of success. Then Jesus says, not so, Blessed are…and he paints a much different picture than his listeners expected to hear. 
</p>
<p>The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes this point. “They [the Beatitudes] express the vocation of the faithful associated with the glory of his Passion and Resurrection; they shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life; they are the paradoxical promises that sustain hope in the midst of tribulation. . .” (CCC 1717) 
</p>
<p>Reflecting on my life through the lens of the Beatitudes may help me see life more and more the way God does and then to work to live that vision. For today then, the Beatitudes become my prayer. </p>

<p>Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</p>
<p>Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.</p>
<p>Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.</p>
<p>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.</p>
<p>Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.</p>
<p>Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.</p>
<p>Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.</p>
<p>Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</p>
<p>Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.</p>
<p>Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5: 3-12)</p>

<p>”I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.” (Ps 81:see 11 and 9a)
</p>