REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Beatitudes are among the most popular teachings of Jesus. They open what we call Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. By this time, Jesus’ popularity has already been spreading. People come to him from diverse areas: Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan (Mt 4:25). They are witnesses to, or have heard of, his authoritative teachings and his power to heal and exorcise evil spirits. In his sermon, Jesus emphasizes that there is more to life than being healed physically. The Beatitudes speak of interiority and spirituality, of what is lasting; they point to his listeners the essentials in life. They point out how one could experience the Kingdom of heaven on earth. They also emphasize the criterion of being called children of God and the implications that go with it—no sugarcoating, but stating the possibility of persecutions. How are we affected by the Beatitudes? Do we share their important message with our friends, workmates, and other groups? Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).