Jesus gives us a map to the highest heights of heaven with his Sermon on the Mount, (Matt., Chapters 5 -7), beginning with the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes deepen the Ten Commandments, of which Jesus perfectly fulfilled.
I. I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other God’s beside me.
1st Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
+ Poor people seek work, and when you work for God you want more of his blessings and share the work and re-wards with others.
II. You shall not take God’s name in vain.
2nd Beatitude: “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
+ We name ourselves Christian, but sometimes we sin in vain. Yet, when we repent and seek the Name of Christ, especially in the Sacrament of Confession, we are com-forted because he forgives the authentic penitent.
III. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath.
3rd Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.”
+ We gather as “members” of Christ (we re-member every weekend) and become a force for good by advancing God’s Kingdom until we inherit the promised land of heaven.
The first three commandments deal directly with our relationship with God. The other commandments deal with FAMILY LIFE and societal norms as do the corresponding Beatitudes:
IV. Honor your Father and your Mother.
4th Beatitude: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”
+ We have received the gift of life from God through our Father and Mother. They have cleansed and fed us, and brought us to God the Father and Holy Mother Church to cleanse us in the waters of Baptism – the new life of sanctifying grace – and have helped us at our First Confession and Holy Communion that we might be fed with Christ in the Holy Eucharist, the “source and summit” of our Catholic faith which satisfies our soul on the journey to heaven.
V. You shall not kill.
5th Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
+ The Fifth Commandment logically follows since life is a supreme gift from God that we receive through our par-ents. Unfortunately, there are some who think that God’s Ten Commandments are passe, yet Jesus clearly states: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt. 5:17-18)
VI. You shall not commit adultery.
6th Beatitude: “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.”
+ It is such a beautiful sight to see a man and woman committed to their marriage vows surrounded by their children living a life of Christian virtue. The married man and woman reflect Jesus Christ’s love for his bride the Church, and her devotion to him.
VII. You shall not steal.
7th Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
+ Unfortunately, our country tried to “steal” the dignity of African slaves of their dignity, but it was restored after a great conflict, and now greater peace and prosperity exist. Yet, there are still some confused people who steal the dignity of persons of African descent, as well as preborn children through abortion, and we see that where this is happen-ing there is a multiplication of all kinds of vice.
VIII. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
8th Beatitude: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
+ Just think of all the fraud perpetrated in these last couple of years, and how those who blew the whistle have been persecuted. Did you know that 8 journalists – two women and six men – were killed in Ukraine covering the invasion by the fraudulent Christian, V. Putin, who has been targeting civilians and committing other war crimes. (Cf. Reporters Without Borders)
Even David Daleiden, an investigative journalist here in America who uncovered the fact that Planned Parenthood was illegally selling and profiting from the sale of aborted baby parts, has been constantly persecuted by the pro-abortion lobby.
IX and X. Commandments are very similar: You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife (spouse); You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
+Jesus reemphasizes the fact that those who seek jus-tice will be persecuted, for he said, > “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.”
When we live God’s Ten Commandments, and deeper still Jesus’ Beatitudes, we become salt and light to the world around us. Salt is essential for our life, and it preserves food and adds zest to life. Light is essential for physical life, just as the supernatural light of our Catholic faith is essential for our spiritual life. For this reason, Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth…, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Peace in Christ, Fr. Thomas McCabe
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