The word 'beatitudes' is derived from beatitudo, a Latin word meaning 'blessedness.
Matthew 5:1-12
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Beatitudes or “blessings” are familiar to the ears of those listening, but see how the words of Jesus are so very different to some of the rabbinical teachers of the day.
Hear the words of Jesus Ben Sira who lived approximately 150 years before Jesus. These words are an example of how spirituality would have been framed and experienced by some.
‘I can think of nine whom I would call blessed, and a tenth my tongue proclaims: a man who can rejoice in his children; a man who lives to see the downfall of his foes. Happy the man who lives with a sensible wife, and the one who does not plow with ox and ass together. Happy is the one who does not sin with the tongue, and the one who has not served an inferior. Happy is the one who finds a friend, and the one who speaks to attentive listeners. How great is the one who finds wisdom! But none is superior to the one who fears the Lord. Fear of the Lord surpasses everything; to whom can we compare the one who has it? ‘ Ben Sira 25:7-11
In the Beatitudes Jesus is not only making a different kind of statement about who is welcomed by God, he is also naming and identifying how certain postures and characteristics can recieve and experience God. For those listening this would have been so hugely encouraging.
PAUSE
Take a moment to pause and consider what it would have been like to have been present at this time.
As we contemplate the teachings of Jesus, how may these characteristics and blessings help us as we move and journey through life.