The teachings of Jesus were simple, unique and innovative.
The Ten Commandments, which was given to Moses on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament, precisely the Book of Exodus, related a series of "Thou shalt not" phrases, but most amazing of all , are the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes are amazing rewards that God himself have promised us his children for outstanding behaviours. Its like a Father who works outside the shores of his country, on departure to his assigned location, he tells his kids “junior be a good boy, always obey your mum and make sure to do your all your home works, if you do these I will get you an xbox for the holiday.”
The same way God has promised us various rewards for our good doings.
St Ambrose tells us;
- “a blessed life may be defined as consisting simply and sorely in the possession of goodness and truth.”*
When Adam and Eve lost communion with God at the beautiful Garden of Eden, we humans lost true joy and peace. From there sorrow, restlessness and confusion became humanity’s lot. Though man kept trying to regain peace and joy, but instead, encountered more problems, calamities and mistakes. Humanity, searched for joy and peace from physical possessions (wealth, money), sexual lost and selfish ambitions, but like Thomas kempis said;
"Even though you possessed all temporal goods, they could not make one happy and blessed. Happiness lies only in God. All wordly solace and all human comfort is short-lived."
Jesus breaks down the journey to true joy and peace into eight proclamation known as the Beatitudes.
The Beatitude is Jesus' own way of living that brings about everlasting joy and peace. It is that joy and peace that is evident in our lives even in times of sorrows, pain and tribulations. It is a joy that not even death can take away from us.
Below are the beatitudes and like Gods' amazing children i pray we are able to tap from the source of this unending joy.
"Matthew:5 : 1-13;5"
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
HAPPY SUNDAY AND REMAIN BLESSED!!!
