“Blessed are those who have the spirit of the poor.” Matthew 5:4

The Beatitudes, taught by Jesus, reveal to us “the way to happiness,” that is, “His way.” This is because the Beatitudes “illuminate the actions of the Christian life and reveal that God’s presence in us makes us truly happy.” Pope Francis

The word blessed (happy) appears nine times in this first great preaching of Jesus. It is like a refrain that reminds us of the Lord’s call to walk with Him on a path that, despite all the difficulties, leads to true happiness.

What Jesus shows in the Beatitudes is Himself. He is the blessed, the Holy One, the Fulness of the new law. The fulfillment of the law of God’s new kingdom will consist in following Him, imitating Him, being like Him as much as possible.

Today, when we read the text of the Beatitudes, may we live them from what we are and what we do. May our prayer touch and be about life.