“Blessed are the poor,” he said. Jesus is poor, not in control, but marginal in his society. What good can come from Nazareth?
“Blessed are the gentle,” he said. Jesus does not break the bruised reed. He always cares for the little ones.
“Blessed are those who mourn,” he said. Jesus does not hide his grief, but lets his tears flow when his friend dies and when he foresees the destruction of his beloved Jerusalem.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice,” he said. Jesus doesn’t hesitate to criticize injustice and to defend the hungry, the dying, and the lepers.
“Blessed are the merciful,” he said. Jesus doesn’t always call for revenge but heals always and everywhere.
“Blessed are the pure in heart,” he said. Jesus remains focused only on what is necessary and does not allow his attention to be divided by many distractions.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” he said. Jesus does not stress differences, but reconciles people as brothers and sisters in one family.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted,” he said. Jesus does not expect success and popularity, but knows that rejections and abandonment will make him suffer.
The Beatitudes give us Jesus’ self-portrait. It is the portrait of a powerless God.
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