CHRISTIAN MAGNA CARTA

Monday in the 10th Week of Ordinary Time
Mt 5:1-12

There is so much debate going on in the Philippines today over the issue of changing its Constitution. Some advocate charter change while others, even while believing that the present fundamental law needs a second look, do support any attempt to change the Constitution…at least, not now yet. Those who disagree with charter change now think, among other things, that the present political climate is not conducive to any constitutional revisions. There is also the whole question of who should modify the fundamental law of the land: Should a constitutional commission be created or a constituent assembly – from the present legislators – be tasked? It is such a complicated issue.

Jesus gives us today the Magna Carta of Christianity. If Christianity were a form of government, the Gospel today forms its Constitution. Unlike the fundamental law of any nation, the Beatitudes need no revision or any change at all. It is valid for all times and at all places for every disciple of Jesus. Unlike the Constitution of any country, it is not the Beatitudes that is changed; rather, it is the Beatitudes that change us. Thus, when we feel uncomfortable with the demands of the Christian Magna Carta, we should not water down what it requires from us. We do not modify the Beatitudes; the Beatitudes should modify us.

Not all Filipinos are happy with their present Constitution. But every Christian is sure to find real happiness in the Beatitudes.