These words of Christ are the last eighth Beatitude. In His preceding words, too, Jesus speaks about persecution and also emphasizes the reward, which is the kingdom of heaven. Persecution pertains to the life of true faith. The early Christians were persecuted in Jerusalem. The first martyr was Stephen, a deacon. The first of the apostles to die a martyr was James, the brother of the apostle John. Both of the brothers agreed with the request of their mother that they be the first in the glory of heaven. When Jesus asked them if they were able to drink the cup of suffering which Jesus drinks, they said: “We are able.” John suffered bloodless martyrdom bravely and fully by the cross. St James suffered bloody martyrdom when he was beheaded with the sword in 42 A.D. Bloodless, psychological martyrdom is when we suffer revilement, persecution, lies and all kinds of evil for the sake of Christ.

The words of the eighth Beatitude are clear and concrete for everyone who follows Jesus sincerely. Each of you could talk about suffering and persecution which you endure because you desire to follow Jesus in earnest and because you have at heart the salvation of your soul and the souls of your close relatives as well as spiritual resurrection of the whole nation. You gladly suffer insults and all evil owing to your faithfulness to Jesus and His Gospel! Be aware that our orthodox Catholic Church is persecuted both as a whole and in each of you personally!

Today, Jesus says to every one of you who endure persecution or evil slander: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. Do not be sad but rejoice, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

May these words be words of comfort, encouragement and true joy for each of us! Let us rejoice that we can suffer for the sake of Christ. This is our greatest privilege here on earth. A great reward in heaven is in store for every disciple of Jesus after death! There is our home, there is our place which Jesus has prepared for us. Lift up your hearts!

Download: Reflection on Mt 5:11-12