Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Christ crowns His sermon with blessings because He came to bless us, and His pronouncement makes us truly blessed. The world is wrong about happiness: it calls the rich and powerful blessed, but He calls the poor in spirit blessed instead, overturning every carnal notion of what makes a man happy.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 5:3-12
The seven beatitudes all strike directly against the spirit of the world: poverty of spirit opposes pride, meekness offends the proud and resentful, hunger for righteousness rebukes fleshly lust. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Christ because He testifies its works are evil; it hated the righteous prophets of old and will hate you for the same reason.
AI summary
All Christ's followers, however holy, must expect persecution; the sharpest edge falls on His ministers. Only suffering endured for righteousness' sake brings solid comfort and true blessedness. Christ commands not patience alone but cheerful rejoicing in such suffering, rewarded with the glory of the life to come.
AI summary