Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness; for they shall be filled” (Matthew5:6) – Jesus

As we continue our talk about the spiritual wisdom of the beatitudes, many have commented that these verses can be found in both the Gospels of Matthew & Luke, and asked why I am only quoting Matthew?

This is because Matthew’s Gospel expresses the true spirituality of the these words spoken by Jesus; while Luke’s Gospel, which was written many years later, seems to slightly miss the mark.

For example: in Luke’s gospel, this 4th Beatitude reads, “Blessed are you which hunger now; for you shall be filled” (6:21). And starting from the very first, which says “blessed are the poor…” rather than “poor in spirit”, Luke’s gospel gives his reader a limited understanding; and causes them to think only at a physical level. He doesn’t fully pass along the spiritual wisdom they contain. And again, you don’t have to be a Christian, to benefit from the spiritual knowledge which Jesus imparted in the beatitudes.

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So, a reader of Luke may think that Jesus is actually referring to someone who is hungry or starving for food. And then contemplate that with all the people around the world dying from starvation that this fourth beatitude makes no sense. However, Jesus is not referring to any type of hunger for physical food or thirst for physical drink. What Jesus says is “blessed are those who hunger & thirst for –  RIGHTEOUSNESS”.

So, what is righteousness?

It is uprightness, morality, justice, & virtue. A righteous person is someone who seeks to follow the will of God and walk in the Light of His Law.

Therefore, Jesus is using the words “hunger & thirst” in order to give his listeners a reference for how passionate they must be about their spiritual living. If we long to experience, know, and reunite with God; then we must yearn and desire Him just as someone who walked for miles through the desert would desire a glass of water. If
we want to be filled with God’s Spirit, then we must desire it as someone
who hasn’t had a meal in weeks would desire a piece of bread.

We must understand that having all of the scriptures memorized will not guarantee us a place in heaven; and prayers which are said with just the lips alone will not gain a response from God. We have to have more passion, feeling, and intensity in our spiritual life in order to draw God to us; and be filled with His love. It is only when we have such an intensity that we “hunger & thirst” for what is right & good that we show God just how much we love Him. He responds to that love by filling us with Himself; Who is all Good & the epitome of Righteousness!

Therefore, we in essence, attain salvation when we have a hunger for God & thirst for Spiritual things. God will not hold anything back from those who desire Him with all their hearts & soul. And it is the truly devoted soul, who yearns for God, that ultimately becomes blessed with the experience of knowing Him intimately & entering His kingdom.

Those who seek to be filled by anything other than God will always be in lack & never truly be satisfied; for, material things can not satisfy a spiritual desire. Our souls want nothing other than to rediscover the relationship they had when they were first created. We long to be reunited to God. And eternal happiness and complete satisfaction is only obtained by those who passionately desire Him.

Therefore, if you fully comprehend this 4^th Beatitude you shall swiftly move along the spiritual path. For, just as Jesus as declared, the Bhagavad Gita, also says, the righteous shall be filled:

“The righteous, who worship Me [God] & cling to Me, become the true knowers of Me; and filled with My presence.” (7:28-30)

So, when you long for knowing God, as you would a cold drink, on a scorching summer’s day; be certain that your thirst will be quenched. When you desire God’s love, as you would a meal, after a week of fasting; rest assured that you will receive so much that it will overflow to all those around you. Therefore, know that truly blessed are you who hunger and thirst; for what can be better than being filled with God?

God bless you on your journey & remember to always – Heed the Spirit,

Anthony