Gospel 

Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, His disciples came to Him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. 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."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount teaches us about the Kingdom of Heaven's values. Today, we explore the Beatitudes, guiding us toward true happiness.

Key Principles

1. Humility: Blessed are the poor in spirit (v. 3).

2. Compassion: Blessed are they who mourn (v. 4).

3. Meekness: Blessed are the meek (v. 5).

4. Righteousness: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness (v. 6).

5. Mercy: Blessed are the merciful (v. 7).

6. Purity: Blessed are the clean of heart (v. 8).

7. Peacemaking: Blessed are the peacemakers (v. 9).

8. Perseverance: Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness (v. 10-12a).

Implications for Us

1. Seek Spiritual Poverty: Recognize our need for God.

2. Comfort Others: Show empathy and support.

3. Practice Meekness: Humble yourself before God.

4. Pursue Righteousness: Hunger for justice and morality.

5. Show Mercy: Treat others with kindness.

6. Cultivate Purity: Seek a clean heart.

7. Strive for Peace: Be a peacemaker.

8. Endure Persecution: Stand firm in faith.

Conclusion

The Beatitudes reveal Jesus' blueprint for true happiness, challenging us to embody Kingdom values.

Reflection Questions

1. Which Beatitude resonates with you?

2. How can you apply these principles?

3. What is your reward in heaven?

Action Steps

1. Study the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12a).

2. Engage in acts of mercy and kindness.

3. Seek spiritual growth through prayer.

Additional Resources

1. Explore Jesus' teachings on humility (Matthew 18:4).

2. Reflect on biblical examples of perseverance (Hebrews 11).

Key Verses

1. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

2. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." (Matthew 5:12a)

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, guide us on the path of humility, compassion and righteousness. Help us embody Kingdom values through:

The Beatitudes

1. Spiritual poverty, recognizing our need for You.

2. Comforting others with empathy and support.

3. Practicing meekness, humbling ourselves before You.

4. Pursuing righteousness, hungering for justice and morality.

5. Showing mercy, treating others with kindness.

6. Cultivating purity, seeking a clean heart.

7. Striving for peace, being peacemakers.

8. Enduring persecution, standing firm in faith.

May we rejoice in our reward in heaven.

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ