Homily for Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

The Beatitudes are a portrayal of Jesus' character. When Jesus spoke these Beatitudes, He painted a picture of Himself and what He desired from His followers. He is poor in spirit, relying on the Father for everything. He is gentle and compassionate, mourns when God’s will is not being done on earth as in heaven, hungers and thirsts for justice, and suffers to bring that about. He is merciful to sinners, has a purity of heart desiring what God desires, and works to bring about peace between God and humanity and among human beings.

By presenting this image of Himself through words, Jesus also showed what His disciples should aim to become. It's the image we are called to embody. We can't become people of the Beatitudes on our own; we need the help of the Holy Spirit, who works within us to shape us into the likeness of Christ.