beatitudes, cont...

The Third beatitude given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount is;

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.


We all know that the "land" referred to here is the Kingdom of God and that "meek" means being gentle, patient and mild so now we can go to the "challenge" of trying to figure out why this beatitude is placed as number 3 of 8.

If you remember from beatitude #1, "poor in spirit" meant being totally dependent on God for all things. I have already explained why that has to come first. The second beatitude (which dealt with finding comfort) has to come second because if we arent' dependent on God then we won't find true comfort from God. So now we find ourselves at number 3. Why is this beatitude placed as number 3? Simple.
Those who are totally dependent on God and find hope and comfort in their relationship with God will naturally display an attitude that is patient and gentle towards others. This attitude of gentleness can only come if we are dependent on God and find peace in Him. Without God's peace, we cannot truly "be" patient, humble and mild. However, for those who have found God's peace and hold it in their heart, patience and humility come without even thinking about it.

I will blog on number four next week. Until then, remember that the first four beatitudes are "states of being" not "doing". They are ways that God "makes" us with His grace. They are not things we can achieve through our own means.

Good Luck with #4 and remember,...
Be Proud to Be Catholic

Pete