Jesus sees the negative circumstances that surround and pervade people – the poverty that goes so deep it crushes the spirit and reduces people to a constant state of mourning. In this situation, they are meek, not becoming violent and vengeful, but hungering and thirsting for more equitable treatments, more just allocation of resources. These are people caught in an unjust system and being ground up by it. They are also trying to find a way to respond. Jesus sees this social reality clearly, the terrible toll it is taking and the eagerness to change it.
However, he also spies a blessedness existing at the centre of their struggle. This blessedness is given by God and so, by definition, is more powerful than the social political system that overwhelms them. This blessedness is already present for, “theirs is a Kingdom of heaven”. Yet it is a blessedness that is working its way towards a fuller, future manifestation. It is moving mourning towards comfort, meekness towards inheritance and hunger and thirst towards satisfaction. It is giving notice to the present situation that it is not ultimate and will not last.
The first beatitude most trenchantly symbolises Jesus’ double vision. The effect of social poverty has penetrated so deeply that it has depleted and defeated people’s spirit. They are not only poor in food, clothing, shelter and social standing, they have lost spirit – zest, passion, pleasure, purpose. Human evil has done its worst to them. Yet it is precisely at this most destructive moment that the kingdom of heaven is still present. Human evil, even at its most devastating, cannot destroy God’s gift. The presupposition is that people are in touch with their oppression and pain, and they fear its powerful and extensive reach. But they are out of touch with their blessedness. Jesus’ teaching makes them aware of the source of hope already present, but not yet fully manifested.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
May God bless your openness.
With love and prayers, Fr Michael