November 01, 2009 31st Ordinary Sunday of the Year Rev. 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Mt. 5:1-12 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/110109.shtml   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   The Beatitudes is a revolutionary teaching and challenges before the world’s accepted standards. They reveal the secret of happiness.   Poor in Spirit: it is not a blessing on the poor-spirited or the craven-hearted. Riches easily become pride:  the ‘successful’ man soon forgets that he is dependent on God. The poor by contrast easily keep compassion, they remember their dependence, and so are blessed.   The Mourners: The world says “Enjoy”, Christ says “Grieve” - a sharp denial of the world’s standards. Blessed are they that accept their own sorrow with resolve to learn, and to make the sorrow an oblation. Our instinct is to rebel against pain, or to try to evade it, or to forget it in work or pleasure.   The Meek are not harsh, not self-assertive, not covetous, not trampling in brute force: they are humble in the strength of reverence. Others claim their rights, but the meek are concerned about their duties. Others are clamant and advertise, but the meek walk in quiet godliness.   Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Righteousness means equity and humanity, the realm of the Christ-spirit.   The Merciful: Mercy lays claim on us whenever and wherever there is suffering. It pities and succours every creature, not man alone. It refrains from cruel sport as well as from cruel speech. It abjures cruelty even in cases of deserved punishment. It has mitigated the harshness of our penal systems and must still further transform them. It lays hands, on the injustices of trade and on the vast cruelty of war, and resolves to erase them.   Pure in Heart: “Heart” means the whole personality. It involves mind and will, not only the emotions. Two meanings are dominant here - rightness of mind and singleness of motive. What is meant by seeing God?   The Peacemakers: The central meaning of ‘peace’ is reconciliation with God. From that deepest alienation, the separation from God, all other conflicts spring. The work of peace is the task of reconciliation between groups and men at odds. It abstains from provocation, moves with gentleness, and pleads in love. Peacemaking is a preventive task.   <<   Previous: 30th Sunday of the Year  |   Next: 32nd Sunday of the Year >>     Go Back to SERMONS (Year B)