Today, a student of mine gave me a sermon on the Beatitudes by explaining his homework. This is so illuminating, I must share it.
The Beatitudes reveal the Life of Christ, an idea first received from a sermon by Father Chad Ripperger. The student was instructed to apply the Beatitudes to the Life of Christ.. The student's comments are in red. And, as I helped him by adding two or three ideas, my comments are in blue.
Matthew 5:1-12
Douay-Rheims
5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him.
Introduction: God always appears to His People on mountains to show forth His Glory.....
Introduction: God always appears to His People on mountains to show forth His Glory.....
2 And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This refers to Christ, being poor in Bethlehem, being born in a stable, working as a carpenter, and being God, leaving glory to become a Man.
4 Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
This is Christ, being obedient to God and redeeming the world.
5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
This is Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, mourning over our sins and comforted by the angel and Redemption.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
This is Christ, who hungered in the desert and was tempted but did not give in and was just.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Christ was merciful on the Cross, forgiving all, so that we can be merciful.
8 Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
Christ is all pure and perfect, and is with God and sees God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
Christ bought peace through His Passion so that we all are saved in baptism, becoming children of God.
10 Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Christ was persecuted and like Him, we shall be.
11 Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake:
Christ in Glory now overcame sin on the Cross and being reviled by men. He was taunted on the Cross.
12 Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
Christ rejoices in heaven in glory with all who follow Him, like Jeremiah and the prophets killed by the people.
Like all teachers, I learn something new everyday, and what a blessing to learn from my student today.
