Beatitudes, not platitudes

In today's Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12a), we hear again the Beatitudes, which have been so often repeated and so often acclaimed as the high point of Christ's teaching that (ironically) their impact may have faded in the hearts of many Christians.

Sometimes the Beatitudes are oversimplified and condensed to mean nothing more than God's concern for the downtrodden, but as true and essential as that element of the Beatitudes is, there are many other elements that we must also embrace (without neglecting concern for the downtrodden).

Indeed, the Beatitudes can be quite fruitful as part of a general examination of conscience, helping us look at ourselves - our thoughts, words, deeds, and missed opportunities - against the standard to which Christ calls us.

Are we poor in spirit? Are our hearts truly detached from the things of this world? Do we yearn deeply for the things of heaven? Do we truly care for the poor?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Do we seek comfort in God? Or do we seek comfort or numbness in the things of this world or by tricks of the mind? Do we comfort those who mourn or do we flee other people's pain?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Are we truly meek? Do we keep ourselves totally and unconditionally in the hand of God? Or do we try to exalt ourselves through arrogance or false humility?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Are we unwilling to let things remain the way they are? Do we ache for real justice and real holiness for ourselves and for all? Do we strive for righteousness?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Are we merciful? Do make excuses for not forgiving? Do we forgive repeatedly? Are we generous? Are we kind? Are we channels of the loving-kindness of God?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Are we pure in heart? Do we let our minds and imaginations become polluted? Do we succumb to distraction and temptation? Do we strive to keep our focus entirely on God and his ways?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Are we true peacemakers? Do we seek either victory or the absence of explicit conflict at the expense of true peace? Do we strive to bring people closer and closer to the peace of God's truth?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Do we shrink away from the ways of justice and holiness out of fear of rejection or discomfort? Are we more concerned about our reputations or the possibility of false accusations than we are about the truth of Christ? Do we do what is right and remain faithful to Christ no matter what?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

Do we lament our setbacks and sufferings? Or do we rejoice in our being worthy of ill treatment for the sake of Christ?

Lord Jesus, give me the grace.

As we hear in today's second reading (1 John 1-3):

See what love the Father has given us,
that we should be called children of God;
and so we are.

The reason why the world does not know us
is that it did not know him.

Beloved,
we are God's children now;
it does not yet appear what we shall be,
but we know that when he appears
we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
.