“Blessed is the man”—the first word of the first psalm. This is echoed by the first word of Jesus’ first sermon on the mount: “Blessed are the poor.” What does “blessed” mean—this somewhat archaic and faded term? The mind immediately turns to synonyms such as happy, content, fortunate.
But the term cannot be confined solely to the realm of emotions, reduced to a fleeting state of mind. Rather, it points to a way of life; it reinforces the most human certainty we possess—one that unites us all: the aspiration toward joy, love, and life.
“Blessed”—it encourages you to stand up, keep moving, and go forward, you with a good heart. God walks with you; stand tall and do not give up, you who are nonviolent—you are the future. Take courage and rise up, you who weep; do not let your arms droop, you who create love.
I may never fully understand this profound Gospel, but it deserves to be preserved. A deep longing for a world of peace, sincerity, justice, and pure hearts remains.
The Beatitudes convey the joy that God brings to those who love and bring happiness. “Yours is the kingdom” signifies that it belongs to the poor, as our King chose humility. In a troubled world, peacemakers and the merciful offer a better future.
Jesus reveals a God who is actively involved in our lives, favoring the weak and starting with the overlooked. This God embraces outcasts, telling a story that thrives not on the triumphs of the strong, but on justice and peace.