From July 14 to 15, 2025, the OC Merida region held its Summer Retreat, focusing deeply on the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1–12. Over the course of two days, leaders gathered to meditate on the Word of God, pray together, and share in the grace of fellowship. The retreat began with the Sunday Service and concluded with a heartfelt time of prayer and koinonia, celebrating the grace received.
On the first day, Pastor Miriam Vázquez delivered the opening message based on Matthew 5:1–4, reflecting on the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. She emphasized the significance of Jesus choosing a mountain to teach, drawing a parallel to Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. Here, Jesus introduces the “new law” — the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” teaches spiritual humility. To be poor in spirit is to possess a heart like Jesus — meek and lowly, empty and yearning for the truth (Amos 8:11). Only a humble heart can truly thirst for God and receive His Word. Jesus modeled this humility by emptying Himself, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:5–8), and in doing so, was exalted by the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).
The second beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn,” speaks of a deep and meaningful sorrow — not despair, but a weeping over the sin of the world and personal repentance. This sorrow flows from a contrite heart that recognizes its faults before God. It is closely tied to the first beatitude: true spiritual poverty leads to genuine mourning, and those who mourn are comforted by God.
After the message, leaders reflected together, sharing the grace they had received. Pastor Jhanet shared, “During the message, I remembered the hope the Lord gave us through the Sermon on the Mount, and I realized I need a heart that seeks deeper into the Kingdom of God.”
On the second day, the retreat continued with three readings focused on the remaining beatitudes (Matthew 5:5–12).
Pastor Jhanet Lomar began by sharing the third and fourth beatitudes. “Blessed are the meek” teaches that, unlike the world’s view that power and aggression bring success, it is meekness that inherits the earth. Jesus, described as a lamb, is the supreme example of this. To be part of God’s Kingdom, we must eliminate anger and cultivate a gentle heart.
The fourth beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” calls us to desire the Kingdom of God above all else. Those who long for God’s righteousness will be truly satisfied.
The second reading, shared by Leader Hans Riveros, focused on the fifth and sixth beatitudes. “Blessed are the merciful” teaches us that mercy—compassion and forgiveness—is central to divine love. Having received God’s mercy, we are called to extend it to others.
“Blessed are the pure in heart” reminds us that purity is achieved through faith in Jesus, who forgives and renews. This beatitude highlights the freedom found in God’s grace, which cleanses and transforms us.
Pastor Miriam Vázquez then spoke on the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peacemakers are those who actively promote peace and unity, resisting the lies and divisions of the enemy. Just as Jesus reconciled humanity with God, we are called to pursue peace and be known as God’s children.
Finally, Pastor Jan Lu shared the eighth beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” She reminded the attendees that working for God’s Kingdom often leads to rejection and suffering in the world, but this should be cause for joy—not sorrow—as it confirms our identity as God’s people and brings great reward in heaven.
The retreat ended with a time of earnest prayer, where leaders asked the Holy Spirit to help each person become truly blessed by embodying the heart of Christ. Through the Beatitudes, they were invited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus — humble, merciful, pure, and faithful, even in the face of hardship.
This Summer Retreat of Merida was not merely an event, but a journey into the very heart of the Gospel. The messages illuminated that the truly blessed are not the strong by worldly standards, but the meek, the brokenhearted, and those who live to bring peace. Strengthened by grace and renewed in their mission, the leaders left prepared to continue building the Kingdom of God with faith, humility, and love.