Gospel of Matthew Series: Purpose of the Beatitudes

Gospel of Matthew Series:

The Bible  Gospel of Matthew Series Icon.

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BEATITUDES? 
 

 The Beatitudes comes from Chapter 5 verse 3-12.  The Beatitudes is an important part of the Sermon on the Mount.   It serves to:

·                     Take up and fulfill God's promises from Abraham on by showing them
           the way to the Kingdom of heaven. They respond to the desire for
           happiness that God has placed in the human heart.

·                     Teach us the final end to which God calls us: the Kingdom, the vision of
           God, participation in the divine nature, eternal life, filiation, rest in God.

·                     Confront us with decisive choices concerning earthly goods; they purify
          our hearts in order to teach us to love God above all things.

·                     Remind us of the supernatural. The beatitude of eternal life is a
          gratuitous gift of God.  It is supernatural, as is the grace that leads us
          there.

·         Gives clarity as to how to live as a disciple according to God’s law.  The
           beatitude of heaven sets the standards for discernment in the use of
           earthly goods in keeping with the law of God.

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says of the Beatitudes:

‘Christian hope unfolds from the beginning of Jesus' preaching in the proclamation of the beatitudes.  The beatitudes raise our hope toward heaven as the new Promised Land; they trace the path that leads through the trials that await the disciples of Jesus. But through the merits of Jesus Christ and of his Passion, God keeps us in the "hope that does not disappoint." Hope is the "sure and steadfast anchor of the soul... that enters... where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf." 

 

It continues:

 

‘Hope is also a weapon that protects us in the struggle of salvation: "Let us... put on the breastplate of faith and charity, and for a helmet the hope of salvation." It affords us joy even under trial: "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation." Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer, especially in the Our Father, the summary of everything that hope leads us to desire". (Paragraph 1820)

 

‘The Law of the Gospel "fulfils," refines, surpasses and leads the Old Law to its perfection.  In the Beatitudes, the New Law fulfils the divine promises by elevating and orienting them toward the "kingdom of heaven." It is addressed to those open to accepting this new hope with faith -- the poor, the humble, the afflicted, the pure of heart, those persecuted on account of Christ -- and so marks out the surprising ways of the Kingdom.’ (Paragraph 1967).   

 

Now that we have read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says of the Beatitudes, it is time for us to consider what do we say about it and devise our action plan for this week.

 

Opening Prayer Series: Eighth Sunday of Year A

Opening Prayer Series: 

OPENING PRAYER

 

The Opening Prayer for the Eighth Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that God will bring peace to the world and freedom to His Church)

Lord, guide the course of world events,

and give Your Church the joy and peace 

of serving you in freedom. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

In making this prayer tangible for during this week the following reflection questions emerged

 

1.            What is the peace that God will bring to the world and why should we
           pray for it?

2.            What is the freedom that God will bring to His Church?

3.            How would you explain to someone who asked you 'why is God not
           guiding world events when floods, cyclones, earthquakes, fires occur
            and provide loss of life and so much devastation?'

4.            What is God's joy and peace?

5.            How can the Church serve in freedom in countries where they cannot
           practice the faith in freedom?

6.            How do I serve the Church in freedom in my parish?

 

The two central themes of today's Gospel from chapter 6  are as follows:

Verse 24: Serve God alone and not 2 Masters.

Verse 25-34:  Trust in God for material needs and not to be anxious about Tomorrow.

 

Although these themes are vital to our catholic lives, it is so much harder to put into practice since the world encourages wealth and material needs, fashion particularly and wining and dining in general. The point of this gospel is Jesus assuring us that He knows that we need all these things- food, drink etc, but as His disciples we need to set our hearts on the kingdom first and on His righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well. 

 

As His disciples, we are to put God first in our lives and trust Him, even when things do not seem to be going in the direction we may wish. We are not to worry about tomorrow (the future) since today has enough trouble of its own. From a personal perspective, I have fallen for the trap so many times of worrying about the future only to find that God graciously allowed the dreaded fear to not occur. I did not add another cubit to my span of life for worrying.  This part of the Gospel is always a timely reminder to me of God's providence.

 

So let us recommit this week to setting our hearts on the Kingdom first and trust God and His providence. After all our goal is Heaven- so let us trust the God with whom we hope to spend eternity.

 

 

 

Reflection and Prayer Series:

 

Jesus the Teacher

My reflection and prayer series is about sharing reflections and Prayers which have impacted upon me and have provided food for thought. I hope that they will also nurture your soul and spirit.

 

My post is called:

EACH UNIQUE THREAD

 

When I am tempted to think 
that my one small life 
Makes no difference in God's plan for eternity.  
He gently reminds me 
that it takes each unique thread 
to complete the design of a tapestry.

 In this great time of tragedy in Christchurch New Zealand, 

our Aussie tears and our prayers are with you

and those of the whole world.

Amongst this great loss, may we be an unique thread

to our brothers and sisters in Christchurch.

 

 

The commandment to Love Series: Opportunity to laugh

COMMANDMENT TO LOVE SERIES:

Opportunity to laugh

My commandment to love series over the next 10-12 weeks focuses on how I can love myself in a practical manner this week and keep the commandment to love. In this series I will focus on one idea that we can use in whatever it suits to accomplish a more rounded version of ' as yourself'.  I hope you will journey with me in this series.

 So, my seventh intention for feeling good about myself this week is as follows:

 

This week I will take every opportunity to laugh with myself.

 

How will make my intention tangible?  There are endless ways just as we are all unique.

However, as a starting point, I will first

• spend some prayerful reflection time with God to consider how God  sees humour and laughter. 
• Thank God for the times I have been able to see the funny, light-  hearted and frivolous me since it is only possible because God has made it so.
• I will smile within myself at least 3 times each day and feel the smile of  Jesus greeting me.
• Re-read my 'positive list about me' each day in my prayer time and add  at least one extra positive each day.
• Affirm each day that I am able to laugh with myself because laughter is medicinal and good for both body and soul.  it is the loving thing to do  for myself.
• write down any opinions that I have both positive and negative about laughter and laughing with myself. You will notice that I say 'with myself'   not 'at myself'    
• Why do I want to do this?  I want to make progress with this seventh intention because: I want to keep the commandment to love more fully. Practicing this commandment means that I love myself as God loves me. Accepting that I need to be able to laugh with myself  shows that I have the desire to love myself more fully, and in loving myself I will in turn appreciate the humour, and lighthearted nature of other people.

 

 Forgive me for one moment for getting on a hobby horse here.  A joke used to be when all concerned saw the funny side and did not hurt anyone in the process.  It seems to me that this definition of good manners in the humour sphere has changed for the worse.  There is a TV programme that is supposed to be funny, and other people seem to think it is hilarious. Usually, I do not find anything funny in it at all. I find it sad that people think it is funny other people having some type of misfortune.

 Now off my hobby horse....

 

I make the distinction of laughing with myself compared to laughing at myself.  Laughing at myself can have its place at times, but it can also be a destructive, negative and unloving way of supporting oneself. In my view, laughing at myself is unhelpful from a emotional and spiritual perspective. since it is a form of derision.  However, laughing with myself is accepting myself as I am and enjoying my company.

 

Let us keep the commandment to love 'as yourself' by taking the opportunity to enjoy our own company and have a smile/laugh with oneself during this coming week.

 

 

Compendium Series: In what way is God the truth?

Compendium Series:

 

Jesus the Teacher.

41. In what way is God the truth? (CCC 214-2217, 231)

Compendium states:

God is Truth itself and as such He can neither deceive nor be deceived. He is “light, and in him there is no darkness” (1 John 1:15). The eternal Son of God, the incarnation of wisdom, was sent into the world “to be witness to the Truth: (Jn 18:37).

 

What does this mean for me?

1.            I can praise God for being the God of Truth.

2.            I can repent of the times when I may have deceived God by deceiving
           my neighbour.

3.            I can thank God that God knows me perfectly and that God never
          deceives me either.

4.            I can meditate on the eternal Son of God coming into the world- the Word
           made flesh and dwelt amongst us”

 Questions to consider:

1.            Where is the darkness in my life and how might I bring it to the God of
            light.

2.            How can I be a witness to the Truth in my life each day?

 

About the Mass series: Holy Holy Part 2: Its biblical perspective.

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES

About the Mass series icon.

SANCTUS PART 2: Its biblical perspective. 

The Sanctus as it was called is presented as a cento of biblical texts. The first 2 acclamations are borrowed from the account of the vision, which was to inaugurate the ministry of Isaiah around the year 740BC. The prophet was in the Temple. The Heavens opened before him and God appeared to him in glory. The Seraphim, beings of fire and light, serve as acolytes at the divine throne.  Isaiah was carried away by ecstasy, as he heard their song:

 

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty!

The earth is full of his glory (Is 6:3)

 

The Liturgy associates us with the myriad of Angels and Archangels, of Thrones and Dominations, of Principalities and Powers.

 

In Isaiah the text reads ‘the earth is full of his glory’, but the liturgy’s perspective is enlarged in the words ‘Heaven and earth are full of your glory’ It is both on earth and in heaven that the angels and humanity along with all of creation, unite in a common exultation for the eternal celebration of the Father.

 

‘Hosanna’ comes from the Hebrew ‘Hosiahna’ and literally means ‘Give salvation’ the word comes from Ps 118:25: ‘Give salvation, Lord, give!’ It was used as an acclamation of praise.  On the feast of Tents, people made a procession with palms while singing ‘Hosanna’. The seventh day was called ‘The Great Hosanna’. 

 

In the highest is a Hebrew expression meaning ‘Hosanna to God who lives in the highest of heavens.  

‘Blessed is he who comes’ is likewise borrowed from Psalm 118:26. It was a blessing that was given over a pilgrim who was entering the Temple. In the New Testament, ‘the One who comes,’ ‘ho erchomenos’ is a messianic title of Christ.

 

Have you ever noticed the angels’ adoring’ at the Tabernacle in many churches? Perhaps the explanation given above may enlighten you. Perhaps we could join with them and set aside some time for our own individual praise and worship with Jesus, and allow Heaven and earth to be full of glory. After all, the singing of Isaiah’s Seraphim made the hinges of the threshold of the Temple vibrate!  

 

Gospel of Matthew Series: Chapter 5 Overview

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES:

Gospel of Matthew series icon.

Chapter 5 Overview

SUMMARY OF THE THEMES FROM CHAPTER 5

 Now we reach the first central teaching of Jesus-Chapter 5-7. In the next few week, we will examine these chapters in detail. In discussing why, the Sermon on the Mount is so significant, I have decided to outline the themes that are expressed from Chapter 5-7 first over the next couple of weeks, and then identify a number of passages and discuss their significance for us today.   You may decide to work out your own action plan for these chapters applicable to your life.

 

Chapter 5:

 

Verses 1-2: Teaching with Authority and the impact on his listeners

We are told that Jesus went up the hill and taught. High places were important to Jewish people in that it was a representation of ‘God, Heaven, the Creator and such like’.  So Jesus going up the hill to teach is an important phrase.  It is also important when it is compared to Chapter 7:28-29, when we are told that Jesus taught with Authority not like the Scribes and Pharisees. Chapter 8:1 is important because it tells us that not only did Jesus come down the hill, but also great crowds followed.  In other words, his teachings had a great impact on those who listened to Him.

 
Verses 3:12:  ‘The Beatitudes.’

This is referred to as ‘the Beatitudes’- in other words the Be- attitude of the disciple in following Jesus.  

I will discuss these verses in another post.

Verse 13: ‘Salt of the earth’

Jesus tells us to be salt of the earth.  This is vital because in those times salt was the way of preserving and keeping good, the nourishing quality of food.  Here Jesus invites to do the same- keep our relationship with Him and our neighbour alive, healthy and well.

 
Verses 14-16: ‘Light of the World’

In those times, there was no electricity so the lamp was an essential part of daily life.

Here Jesus tells us the need for our light to be in Him, for it to be shining brightly and that we must radiate Him to all those around us.  In fact, our light for Him must be as essential to daily living as the lamp was then.

 

Verses 17-19: Jesus identifies his mission and the responsibility of the disciples.

 

Verses 20-48:  Style of living expected of a disciple.

Jesus outlines what he expects of the disciple and the quality of his/her living.  The essential phrase in this whole section is Verse 48 ‘ You must be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect’.  The demand of discipleship is high- but we have Our Heavenly Father to help us.  This links also with Genesis in that Jesus is reminding us that we are made in the image and likeness of Him.

 

You may decide from having an overview of the main themes in this chapter to re-read it and work out your action plan, just as I have done in previous chapters, or you may prefer to work and reflect with some of the chapter and/or specific themes.

 

Opening Prayer Series: 7th Sunday of Year A

OPENING PRAYER SERIES

The Mass: Opening Prayer Series.

 

OPENING PRAYER 

The Opening Prayer for the Seventh Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that God will make us more like Christ His Son)

Father,

Keep before us the wisdom and love 
You have revealed in Your Son.

Help us to be like Him in word and deed

for He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

one God, for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for this week, the following reflection questions emerged.

1. What is Christ like? How do I find out?
2. How do I become more like Christ?
3. How do I keep before me the wisdom and love of Christ?
4. How do I be like Christ in word and deed?
5. After exploring more what Christ is like, name one aspect of my life that I will emulate Christ (e.g. at work, in traffic, with family, with parishioners, neighbours, strangers).

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel is a continuation of the sermon on the mount Chapter 5. In today’s Gospel, we are given a mighty goal to achieve’ Be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect’. We may be realists and say ‘no human is perfect’. That is true, but with God’s help, we can be perfected. We have to start and we have to try. God asks us to achieve what the world thinks as impossible standards ( or perhaps stupid). We are a work in progress, provided we actually start the race to our heavenly home.

 

It takes courage and persistence to pray for one’s enemies, and to do good to those who persecute you. Most people want nothing to do with their enemies and to pray for them may seem impossible. Yet, in the very act of praying for them, our hearts become softened. We may not become best buddies with them, but in time, the healing process takes place. The sheer act of praying for our enemies is courageous on our part, but necessary for our own spiritual and emotional growth.

There are other aspects of today’s gospel as well for us to ponder and reflect. Make a decision today to read again this gospel and put it into action in some way in your life this week.