Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you
and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Sermon on the Mount
Károly Ferenczy, 1896
Dear friends,
It is my privilege to share with you today some thoughts on the Beatitudes, as found in Matthew 5:1-12. These verses, in which Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the meek, and the peacemakers, are a source of profound inspiration and guidance for those of us on the path of spiritual awakening.
As we read the Beatitudes, we are reminded that true happiness and fulfillment are not found in external circumstances, but rather in a state of inner peace and contentment. When we cultivate virtues such as meekness, humility, and compassion, we tap into a wellspring of joy that cannot be taken away by external events.
This message is particularly important in our world today, where material wealth and success are often seen as the keys to happiness. The Beatitudes challenge us to look beyond these transitory forms of happiness and to seek a deeper, more enduring form of fulfillment.
The call to be "poor in spirit" reminds us that true happiness is not found in acquiring more and more possessions or in seeking power over others. Rather, it is found in letting go of our attachment to material wealth and recognizing our own limitations. When we acknowledge our own poverty and our dependence on others, we open ourselves up to a deep sense of interconnectedness and compassion.
The Beatitudes also call us to be "meek," to cultivate a sense of gentleness and patience even in the face of adversity. This is a powerful practice, as it allows us to maintain our inner peace and equanimity in the face of difficulties, and to respond to challenges with wisdom and compassion.
The Beatitudes remind us of the importance of peacemaking. In a world filled with conflict and division, the call to be a peacemaker is more important than ever. By working to promote peace and reconciliation, we can help to heal the wounds of our world and create a more harmonious and just society.
The Beatitudes offer us a roadmap for a life filled with meaning and purpose. By embracing the virtues they promote, we can find a deep and abiding happiness that transcends the ups and downs of life. May we all be inspired by these teachings and work to bring their wisdom into our lives.
Thank you, and may peace and blessings be upon us all.