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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

The beatitudes as roadmap to a blessed life

Opinion

The beatitudes as roadmap to a blessed life

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

The profound wisdom of Jesus Christ contained in the Beatitudes offers us a roadmap to living a blessed life while people search for happiness and fulfillment that are grounded on human efforts that are at best fleeting and limited.

In the Second Reading, Paul tells the Corinthians not to rely on “human standards” based on human philosophies or wisdom but on the teachings of Jesus, the incarnate “Wisdom from God.”

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about the wisdom of God embedded in the Beatitudes: The poor in spirit. True wealth does not lie in material possessions but in humility and deep connection with God. We are nothing; God is everything.

Those who mourn. In times of sorrow and loss, real solace can be found in the arms of our Creator who offers us comfort and peace.

The meek. Emulating the gentleness and humility of Christ, we know that true strength lies in kindness and compassion towards others.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. By striving for justice and righteousness, God will make us righteous and reward us to the fullest.

The merciful. By extending forgiveness and compassion to those who have wronged us, we will receive the boundless mercy of the Lord.

The pure in heart. Purifying our hearts of selfishness and impurity, we will experience the presence of God in our daily lives.

The peacemakers. By being agents of peace in a world filled with conflict and division, we will become agents of reconciliation and harmony among peoples.

Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. When we stand firm and courageous in our faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution, we will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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