Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-12

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

Have you ever had the experience that you love someone but struggle to like them? When you love someone you care for them, sacrifice for them, and want only the best for them. Love is not just a feeling, but a commitment to be with another in good times and in bad. 

Liking someone means you appreciate the other's behaviors and personality. When you like someone you enjoy being with them. Yet, how many times have I heard someone say, “I love my husband, but sometimes I don’t like him very much.” 

Same goes for parents with their children. Parents love their children deeply as they pull on your last good nerve.

I know that God loves me – no exceptions. I also want God to like me, to appreciate who I am and approve of what I do. This is where the Beatitudes come in. God not only approves anyone who follows them, but will bestow divine favor upon them. 

The word "blessed" in Greek translates as "happy." Happiness is a fleeting emotion based on something external. I am happy with my new car, until the monthly payment comes due. I prefer blessed, because when we live them we become "blessed" by making God happy. 

Here is a list of the Beatitudes: 

(Blessed are)

1) The poor in spirit;

2) Those who mourn;

3) The meek;

4) Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness;

5) The merciful;

6) The pure in heart;

7) The peacemakers; and

8) Those who are persecuted because of righteousness.
 
There was a group of college students who took the Beatitudes and asked, "What do they look like in real life today?" 

Jesus has a sense of humor so I do not think He will be offended.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit – "You humbly realize you don’t have it all together — and that’s exactly when God says, ‘Perfect, now I can work with you.’"

2. Blessed are those who mourn – "When life hits you with the emotional equivalent of stepping on a Lego, God’s comfort is like the world’s coziest blanket — but for your soul."

3. Blessed are the meek – "Think of it as being strong enough to win the argument… but wise enough to let your friends think they did."

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – "It’s like craving justice the way you crave pizza at 2 a.m. — except this craving actually makes the world better."

5. Blessed are the merciful – "You hand out forgiveness like Oprah handed out cars: ‘You get grace! You get grace! Everybody gets grace!’"

6. Blessed are the pure in heart – "Your motives are so clean, they could pass a white-glove test in heaven."

7. Blessed are the peacemakers – "You’re basically the human version of duct tape — holding relationships together when everything’s falling apart."

8. Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness – "When you’re catching heat for doing the right thing, remember: You’re in the same VIP club as the prophets — and the membership perks are eternal."

The Beatitudes can be summed up in one word: "submission." Allow God to work His will in your life, trusting that He will always do what ever is best. This makes God very happy. Blessings... Fr. Mike.