This beatitude is meant to speak to individuals who endure ridicule, persecution, pain, and even death due to their unwillingness to compromise their principles, beliefs, or quest for justice. Doing what is right and standing firm in their convictions usually leads to condemnation from a world that has denied its Maker. According to our textbook on 128, enduring persecution for one’s beliefs and for justice requires great bravery; however, it also makes us followers of prophets and saints. On page 128 of Your Life in Christ it's stated, "To stand up for what is right—especially in the face of mockery, rejection, and verbal and physical abuse—is to stand with Jesus Christ and help him carry his Cross". Fortunately, we learn that while being persecuted for their morals may take its toll on Christians, the Cross provides the key to victory, acting as the ladder through which one ascends to heaven. Jesus says that persecuted believers have a special place reserved for them in the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Contemporary Figure: Archbishop Oscar Romero
Oscar Romero, an archbishop of modern times, is a martyr in religion who was thoroughly persecuted for being righteous. As the situation in El Salvador was a civil war at the time, he used the pulpit to strongly criticize the military regime for its oppression against the poor. He did not desist from criticizing even when he was frequently threatened with death. Unfortunately, in 1980, he met his end at the hands of the military. Prior to being shot, he had stated, "If they kill me, I will rise again in the Salvadoran people."
- Personal Application:
This would mean adhering to my values despite the negative publicity that may come with it. For instance, should a popular gang be bullying others or forcing them to commit an evil act, standing against them might earn me ridicule and rejection, yet still, I would go ahead and defend the righteous path.
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