NOTES for Mt 5:1-12

One of the Beatitudes contains a word that often gives rise to questions and misunderstanding. That word is “meekness,” or more precisely the adjective derived from it (see Matt 5:5). What qualities does a meek person possess? How often we imagine some creature cowering in a corner, unable, or afraid, to open its mouth or show itself in any way... A dictionary gives us this definition of a meek person: submissive, gentle, humble. But the definition “submissive” needs a qualification: submissive to whom? We can probably best understand the main thing Jesus wanted to say when we remember that He Himself is “meek and humble in heart” (Matt 11:29). He calls us to learn this meekness and humility from Him. To whom and to what is Jesus Christ submissive? We can unequivocally speak only of His submission to the Father’s will. Every person truly needs to recognize the existence of a “higher principle,” and not merely to recognize it, but to have a living relationship with God. For it is under the Father’s loving, encouraging, and approving gaze that we can take our first steps and grow spiritually. Even our Lord, having become incarnate, needed His Father’s support.