The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew draw me to St. Ignatius’ meditation on the Two Standards. In this meditation, we are to choose the standard we want to follow. Under the standard of Satan are the temptations of comfort, wealth, recognition, and power. Along with this comes the constant pressure to seek approval, security, and status for ourselves. While under the standard of Christ, we find an invitation to true freedom: freedom from attachment to worldly expectations and freedom to live in humble service, mercy, justice, and love. Christ presents a way of life that stands in direct contrast to the values commonly held in the world.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers us eternal joy rather than temporary worldly approval. He reverses worldly values and reveals what true blessedness looks like. The poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and those who hunger for righteousness are called blessed because their hearts are oriented toward God.
This Gospel becomes a call to discernment and self-knowledge. His words challenge us to examine where we place trust and what truly governs our daily choices. It asks us to honestly confront the temptations that draw us away from the service of faith and the pursuit of justice toward selfishness. We should ask ourselves: In what ways do I place my own comfort or success before the needs of others? How often do I imitate the priorities of the world rather than recognize God’s goodness already present around me? The Beatitudes invite us to seek Ignatian indifference, not rejecting worldly goods entirely, but refusing to let them control our hearts or determine our worth.
Christ’s standard is not easy because it calls for humility, sacrifice, and trust. Yet it is also the path to authentic freedom and lasting peace. Jesus reminds us that suffering for righteousness is not failure, but participation in the Kingdom of God. His final words offer both consolation and hope: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” In those words, Christ invites us to live not for the praise of this world, but for the deeper joy that comes from faithfully following Him.
Margo Minnich
Margo Minnich, Associate Professor at Creighton University College of Nursing, integrates her passion for public health nursing and professional development with her commitment to Ignatian spirituality. Rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, she strives to live a life of service, compassion, and reflection, promoting holistic well-being in the communities she serves. In her professional work, Dr. Minnich aligns the core values of public health nursing with Ignatian principles, emphasizing social justice and the dignity of every person.
