The Holy Hieromartyr Timothy, Bishop of Prussa.
Post-feast of Pentecost.
Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; Matthew 4:25-5:13.
Read Matthew 4:25-5:13
The teaching of the “Beatitudes” really flips the script on worldly expectations. Those who are “poor in spirit,” “those who mourn,” those who are “meek,” “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” those who are “merciful,” those who are “pure in heart,” those who are “peacemakers,” “those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” and those who are reviled and persecuted for the sake of Jesus are all said to be “blessed” or “happy” (see Mt. 5:3-11). In the mind of the world, having these characteristics or experiencing all these unpleasantries is not seen as a good thing. Weakness was despised, and mightiness was exalted. In the prayer we call the “Magnificat” where Mary’s soul “magnifies the Lord,” she says of God: “He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree” (Lk. 1:46, 52). Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes clearly demonstrates how God exalts the lowly, the poor, and the suffering, especially those who are in that state due to pursuing righteousness and following the commandments of God.
If God has so much love for the lowly of this world, how could we look down upon any human we encounter? How could we look down upon those who perhaps “disturb” us by begging for money on the streets? How could we look down upon those who have lost their jobs and homes to addictions to drugs, alcohol, or gambling? There are a lot of hurting people in this world, and Jesus does not despise them. Let us remember to be merciful, compassionate, and forgiving towards all human beings as God is merciful, compassionate, and forgiving towards us.