Gospel of Matthew
The Beginning of the Sermon on the Mount
Beatitudes Matthew 5: 1-12
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 1, 2026
With the universal Church and the Christian churches that use the common lectionary, today we began reading from the gospel of Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount. It’s quite a long sermon, at least two or three chapters. Even longer than my sermons…
Our text is simply the beginning of the sermon, commonly called the beatitudes. There are eight or nine stanzas, depending on how you count them. They’re very familiar, but if we’re honest, we know they’re anything but familiar. They offer a theology that is not the norm, rational, or aligned with the values of the culture.
These are the words of Jesus. He gave the sermon, and He lived the words. In many ways, each paints a picture into the Heart of Jesus. They are not pie in the sky theology, rather ways for ordinary, good but often tired folks like us, to begin letting go of our false illusions.
Each of the beatitudes names, not so much a strength to achieve, but rather a place where our hearts will be shaped into the Heart of Jesus. It is in the place of vulnerability within us, where our illusions have begun to stretch and crack. It is where God’s Grace dwells and invites.
So, let’s look at each of the eight beatitudes, reflecting on the quality of heart Jesus describes. Let us offer a couple of lived examples. Let us name the illusion we are being invited to let go. And finally, let us rename or paraphrase the virtue in our words.
The first… Blessed are the poor in spirit. What does this mean? What is Jesus talking about? Is it perhaps those times when we have an honest awareness of our humanness, our limitations?
What might be an example? Perhaps a parent finally admitting they can’t fix their child. Perhaps someone with an addiction, finally hitting rock bottom.
What is the illusion we are called to let go of? The illusion of self-sufficiency, that my energy alone is totally suffice. Jesus was fully human; he too experienced this reality. To paraphrase… Blessed are those who are done, pretending they are enough on their own.
The second… Blessed are those who mourn. The quality of heart described is an openness to see and grieve what sin and brokenness have done to my spirit, to others, and to the world.
What might be some examples? Watching the news or reading the feed, free of politics of being a democrat or a republican. Rather, seeing or reading as a brother or sister, stepping into their shoes, i.e., empathy. What might be an example? Those moments in our life when we realize the wisdom in the expression… I need a good cry.
What is the illusion we are called to let go of? The false notion that loss and pain can be avoided on this side of eternity. Let us paraphrase the virtue… Blessed are those who refuse to be numb-out, those who believe that tears heal.
The third… Blessed are the meek. It may sound weak, but remember we’re reflecting on the Heart of Jesus. Here, the word refers to one’s strength that is under control.
Examples, the person online who has the perfect opportunity to snap back, but instead chooses to be kind or silent. An example, perhaps an employer who chooses to nurture and develop the skill set of those people they work with.
What is the illusion, the big lie that force is the same as strength? Let us paraphrase… Blessed are those who do not have to prove they are powerful by being dominant.
The fourth… Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. This virtue of Jesus Heart is hard to put into words. It’s a deep desire, longing, or yearning for things to be upside down, a turn for right and true.
What might be an example? A teenager, sick and tired of the hypocrisy they spot in themselves and in others. So much so, they begin to quietly pray and talk honestly. Perhaps a parishioner, restless with church as usual. They begin to find their niche and serve, building up the Body of Christ.
The illusion we are invited to let go, thinking that being comfortable is enough, and keeping the peace is worth it. Let us paraphrase… Blessed are those who are not satisfied with the expression, this is just the way or how it is or how it is supposed to be.
The fifth… Blessed are the merciful. Mercy is the compassion that moves us towards those who hurt, even if they are guilty. An example, a spouse who stops keeping score and releases a debt that cannot be paid. An example, a believer, who knows of someone’s past sin, and chooses to move towards that person without judgment.
The illusion that I alone own purity, fairness, or am in charge of measuring revenge. Let us paraphrase… Blessed are those who loosen their grips on other people’s failures, mindful of how God does the same again and again.
The sixth… Blessed are the pure of heart. Because the sermon is for you and me, Jesus is not saying those who are sinless. Instead He’s describing His own undivided heart. Those who have no duplicity with commitments.
A couple of examples, a young adult who drops the act and admits that faith and doubt go hand-in-hand. The business person who stops ‘the Jesus talk’ and instead begins to clean up some of their shady practices, despite the dollar cost.
The illusion, letting go of our divided loyalties. Believing we can serve two masters. Let us paraphrase… Blessed are those who want their relationship with God to be good more than wanting to look good.
The seventh… Blessed are the peacemakers. Like Jesus, we are invited to step into conflict and to bring reconciliation. Our actions speak louder than words. It’s not Fr Joe putting on his old hippie T-shirt with its faded peace symbol.
Examples, a friend who confronts two other friends who are not speaking. A believer like us who chooses to be a bridge for racial or political divide.
The illusion we are invited to abandon, peace exists without justice, works for peace are easy or cheap. Our paraphrase… Blessed are those who walk towards the mess instead of away.
The eighth and final…Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteous sake. This one is the simplest to define. Those who choose to pay a price for living the gospel of life, living in imitation of Christ.
An example, a student choosing not to join in the mocking of another student. A person at work or a social gathering, choosing to remain on the sidelines, rather than joining in with the gossip or bending the truth.
The illusion, letting go of the false narrative that faith will always bring applause. Paraphrase… Blessed are those who choose to lose social points by doing as Jesus did.
Our conclusion, the sermon begins with Jesus choosing to be intimate, revealing His very heart. He invites us to let go of illusions and pattern our hearts after His. There’s a southern expression that summarizes Jesus words. You can encounter it at your local Waffle House. When your waitress says… darling, bless your heart!
This week’s focus is shaping our hearts. The movement of Jesus sermon will go from inward to outward, from attitude to action. Next week, the sermon continues with the two short parables. Jesus defining us… you are salt, you are light.
The impact of one heart shaped and beating in rhythm with Jesus’ Heart, can impact others and the world. Is this not what we say in The Lord‘s Prayer … Your kingdom come…. Give us our daily bread?
Jesus lights a candle and hands it to us. We receive when our fist is open and our hearts willing to be stretched. May we live the Beatitudes by staying close to the one who preached and lived them.
Amen
Fr. Joe Culotta
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier
