“ When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” -Matthew 5:1-12
The enemy whispers lies that this is the place where we are to be rewarded, where we are to have justice, comfort, and contentment. He tempts us to garner glory and place ourselves and our pride ahead of others.
But Jesus tells us the Truth. In the first four Beatitudes, Christ teaches us that the trappings of this world are temporary. Blessed are those who focus not on the erodible elements of this world but on the steadfast treasures of the Kingdom.
In the last five Beatitudes, Christ teaches what we must focus our hearts on to build those treasures in heaven. My friends, I pray you remain blessed this and every day.