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The Beatitudes: Pure in Heart
by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand
Saturday 10 July 2010 (3 Epip; 3 Abib)
Let your speech be always gracious and in good taste,
and strive to respond properly to all who address you.
(Col. 4:6)
Their line is gone out through all the earth and their
words to the end of the world. In them hath he set
a tabernacle for the sun.
(Psa. 19:4)
Servants be submissive to your masters with all fear, not
only to the good & gentle but also to the froward.
(1 Peter 2:18)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge like
the light that enters a dark home, drives away its darkness
and lights it up. Such is the Fear of God. It enters the heart
of a human being, it banishes ignorance away from him, and
teaches him all the virtues and wisdom.
(Anthony the Great)
The Name of Jesus penetrates the soul as a spot of oil
spreads silently in all directions.
(Anon)
Stupid advisor is a blind watchman; and the wise one is a
fortress of confidence.
(Isaac the Syrian)
Love's distinctive character is to be a fountain of faith;
an abyss of patience, and a sea of humility.
(John Climacus)
You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
(Psa. 27:9)
The harvest is great, but the labourers are few; therefore
pray the Lord of the Harvest to send out labourers to
His Harvest.
(Luke 10:2)
God the Logos, Became flesh and dwelt amongst us in
an indescribable Unity.
(S. Cyril the pillar of the faith.)
If you feel sorry when giving, then you have lost both
the bread and merit, for God loves the cheerful giver.
(St. Augustine)
REFLECTION:
Remain at peace regarding whatever is said or done in
conversations. If it is good you have something for
which to praise God. If it is bad, you have something
in which to serve God by turning your heart away from it.
Lord God, let our conversations always be for the good
of our souls. Teach us how to turn evil conversations
to good and how to remain untouched by them.
(Francis de Sales)
HOMILY:
The Beatitudes: The Sincere
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matt.5:7)
Pharisees made much of outward cleansings -endless ritual washings. As Our Lord said: 'Woe unto you Scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites; because you make clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but within you are full of rapine, and uncleanliness.' (Matt.23:25) When the pharisees grumble about the disciples not washing before meals, Our Lord retorts by saying it is not that goeth inside a man that defiles him, but what cometh forth out of his mouth that defiles a man.
From the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, false testimonies, blasphemies: these are the things that defile a man. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile him.
The common denominator is Greed. Seeking one's own good regardless of God. Using people for your own ends. Therefore 'Pure or clean of heart' means 'clean from greed.' Our heart must be purified, unmixed with selfishness, single-mindedly bent on the Will of God.
A muddy fountain produces muddy water (says Jerome); and if our heart is muddy with self seeking, the actions that come forth from it will be muddy too.
'Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good heart, and in simplicity of heart seek Him.' (Wis.1:1) 'For they shall see God.'
This does not only mean in Heaven. But the reward is also given in this life. If we look at St. Mark's Gospel Chapt.10 'Who shall not receive a hundred fold, now in this time; and in the world to come life everlasting.' St. Thomas says: "Heaven is the perfect fruit. But buds and blossoms of springtime are beautiful too, so are the beginnings of heaven in this life."
If we look at our own hearts, are they pure or muddy? The Remedy is Penance. Remember what the Psalmist said: "Create a clean heart in me, O God; and renew a right spirit within me!"
To Thee be glory and praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.
AMEN!
Today's Readings:
Evening: Psalm 110:4&7; Matt.16:13-19.
Morning: Psalm 73:23-24 &28;Psa,9:14; John 15:17-25.
Liturgy: 2 Cor.4:5-5:11; 1 Peter 2:18-3:7; Acts 20:17-38;
Psalm 107:32, 41-42; Gospel 10:1-16.
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