The Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel are a wonderful summary of the implications of the Sermon on the Mount that follows them. In contrast to the ritual cleanliness demanded by the Pharisees the Beatitudes are exhortative. Followers of Jesus are called to strive for blessedness and to imitate their Master. This process of missionary discipleship is a lifelong process. Thus, the counsel from the First Reading is also valuable in pointing out the attitude necessary to follow the Way of Life: "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the Lord's wrath." (Zeph 2: 3) It is important that our idea of Christian morality is not narrowly restricted to sexual matters or the things that we are forbidden to do. We need to think positively and go out from ourselves so that we may stand among the blessed at the Last Judgment.
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