Beatitudes

 

In today’s gospel reading from Luke, we hear the reading of what is often called the Sermon on the Plain. The parallel to this passage if found in Matthew’s gospel and is often called the Sermon on the Mount. As these titles suggest, there are differences and similarities between these gospel readings.

In Matthew’s gospel we hear Jesus deliver the Beatitudes from the mountaintop. Jesus spoke with the authority and voice of God. The mountaintop is a symbol of closeness to God. As Luke introduces the location of Jesus' teaching, Jesus teaches on level ground, alongside the disciples and the crowd. Luke presents Jesus' authority in a different light. He is God among us.

Matthew uses eight Beatitudes to deliver Jesus’ message, and Luke uses four followed by woes. Beatitudes were not unique to Jesus. Beatitudes are found in the Old Testament, such as in the Psalms and in Wisdom literature. They are a way to teach about who will find favor with God. The word blessed in this context might be translated as “happy,” “fortunate,” or “favored.”

The Beatitudes invite us to trust and are often described as a framework for Christian living. By living the Beatitudes, we live our lives focused on the Kingdom of God. May the Beatitudes guide us in our living and give us the strength we need to follow Jesus’ teachings of love and mercy.