“Jesus climbs a mountain and teaches what many consider the heart of the Christian life: the Beatitudes.

At first glance, the Beatitudes seem strange. Jesus calls the poor, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers “blessed.” The world often says the opposite. The world praises the powerful, the wealthy, and those who always win. But Jesus proposes a different path—the path that leads not only to personal holiness but also to the healing of society.

This message is especially important for us Filipinos today.

Our nation continues to struggle with division, political conflicts, misinformation, corruption, poverty, and a growing culture of anger and suspicion. Many people ask: How can our country recover? How can we move forward?

The Beatitudes offer an answer.

First, “Blessed are the merciful.”

Our country will not heal if we allow hatred to rule our hearts. We may disagree on politics, policies, and personalities, but we must never stop seeing one another as brothers and sisters. Mercy does not mean ignoring wrongdoing. It means refusing to let anger and revenge define us.

Second, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Notice that Jesus does not say, “Blessed are those who avoid conflict.” He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peacemakers work hard to build bridges where others build walls. Today our country needs more people who can listen, dialogue, and seek the common good rather than simply attack one another. Healing begins when people choose conversation over condemnation.

Third, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

The Beatitudes do not ask us to be passive. Christians must desire truth, justice, honesty, and integrity. We should reject corruption, lies, and abuse of power wherever they are found. National renewal requires citizens who are willing to do what is right even when it is difficult.

My brothers and sisters, the Philippines will not be healed by one politician, one party, or one institution alone. National healing begins when ordinary people live the Beatitudes in their homes, workplaces, schools, parishes, and communities.

Imagine a nation where more people are merciful than hateful, more eager for truth than propaganda, more willing to build peace than spread division. That nation would begin to recover.

The Beatitudes are not merely beautiful words. They are a blueprint for rebuilding a wounded society.

Today, let us ask the Lord for the courage to live them. For when Christians truly become poor in spirit, merciful, peacemakers, and seekers of righteousness, they become instruments of God’s healing, not only for themselves but for the entire nation.”