When your life looks dim, it’s never easy to see the sunshine. When you’re feeling down, it is of the utmost importance to keep your hopes up and to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And this is the overall message of the Beatitudes.

I wouldn’t think that the majority of people would want to be in trying situations, but therein lies the beauty of this passage. The Beatitudes convey that some of God’s treasures come from enduring hardships. It is easier to welcome life’s trials considering what awaits you.

Trust in the Lord, and He will provide.

You can also view this from ground zero. When you have nothing to build on, you have everything to gain. But in order to see God’s treasures, it’s ironically easier to be in conditions that the Beatitudes describe. For without this, any gratitude resulting from what transpires would not be nearly as significant.

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Mt 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”