Blessed When Insulted and Slandered (Mt 5:11-12)

Today's reading was Matthew 5-6.

1. It's the word "blessed" that seems to be out of place (it isn't). "Troubled," "agitated," "annoyed," "defensive" -- all these would make sense. But "blessed"?
2. When others speak against you, you have a choice. You can get better and rejoice or you can get bitter and retaliate.
3. Choosing gladness as your response, you position yourself between the distant past and the certain future. In the past, people spoke against the prophets. When people speak against you, know that you're in good company. In the future, God will reward you for your peaceful, joyful response. The reason it is hard to rejoice when you're spoken against is because you're stuck in the present. All you can think about is your reputation. (This is most likely pride.)
4. You're "blessed" because you lived in such a way (Mt 5:3-10) that you unintentionally provoked someone. Living the Beatitudes, you show growth, maturity and commitment. Not everyone will approve.
5. Make sure you're not giving people a reason to speak against you. Don't confuse slander with criticism. If you do or say something out of line, and someone calls you on it, view that person as a friend and not a persecutor. Thank God someone loves you enough not to leave you alone about it.