Akhsi Wary csc –
Readings: 2Cor 1:1-7; Mt 5:1-12
Today, in the gospel from Matthew, we see Jesus giving the Beatitudes to his disciples. The word ‘blessed’ is the most used word by Jesus today. What does it mean to be blessed? When I think of the word blessed, I think of good circumstances, a joyful heart, being free of worries and sadness.
But according to today’s gospel message, it means being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, persecuted, insulted or hungry. When we look at these things from our human perspective and with limited knowledge, they don’t sound blessed at all, but for God, they have greater meaning and values.
One thing we must remember that God never promises his followers a life without hardship. Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me (Mt: 16:24).” He sees our life in both good times and bad times, and he knows us better than we know ourselves. It is not easy to follow Jesus, to live a life as a peacemaker, to live as someone who hungers and thirsts for justice and righteousness.
Life is hard, but we must remember Jesus’s words of encouragement when we are afflicted. “In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world (Jn 16:33).” As his followers, we are called to pass on that encouragement to others when they are afflicted and to take responsibility for our fellow human beings. That is what being a disciple is: being able to find meaning even in the midst of difficulties and sufferings; being able to put God in front in any situation and; being able to love and spread love for all. The reward of this toil will be greater in heaven.