Happy doors to kingdom

From the mountain top near the Lake of Galilee two thousand years ago, the new Moses proclaimed the eight doors which permit one to enter the Kingdom of God, as He also solemnly legislated the new and unchanging Law. Jesus the new Legislator offered a new version of the Law, perfecting the Old Law of Moses represented in the Pentateuch.  Matthew presents the New Law in five Discourses, starting with the Discourse (Sermon) on the Mountain in chapters 5 to 7.  Succeeding chapters open the Discourses on the Missions (Mt 10); the Mystery of the Kingdom present in life (Mt 13); the Community (Mt 18); and the future of the Kingdom (Mt 24 and 25). As Moses went up to Mt. Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments from God (Ex. 20); Jesus also takes his seat on the cathedra of the mountain and proclaims the New Law—the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:1-12).

The Beatitudes, the new program of life, constitute the eight entrance doors to open oneself to true discipleship in Jesus’ Kingdom Community, freeing oneself from the  false contrary values of the world.  It is not a new ideology, but a teaching that the God-made-man wants all to assume for humanity to be saved.  The Beatitudes will help us become images and witnesses of Christ  in our dealings with material goods, persons and communities, and God—holding promises and future fulfillments in eternal happiness.  In society, happy or blest are those who are rich, renowned, powerful, above the law, armed for bloody war, and sensually glutted.  The Gospel does not judge the external appearance but underlines the inner disposition of humility and charity through eight “door categories”—(1) the poor in spirit; (2) the meek; (3) those who mourn; (4)those who hunger and thirst for justice; (5) the merciful; (6) the pure in heart; (7) the peacemakers; (8) those persecuted in the cause of justice.

The Catechism says that Jesus is the One described in the Beatitudes; they “depict the countenance of Jesus Christ.”  This means that by pondering them we can gaze upon His face, and the more deeply we know Him, the better we can learn what we are to be like.  Our hearts and spirits will enjoy contentment, justice & fraternal equality, mercy and consolation to the full, God’s peace, friendship and faithful Presence, and the seed of the Kingdom, especially within the Christian community.  Lord Jesus, may your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your Word has revealed to us.  May we, like Mary, not only listen to but also practice the Word.  Amen.