Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Solemnity of All Saints
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12a
Saints are people who "washed their clothes in the blood of the Lamb" (first reading) -- that is, they put the grace of their Baptism to daily use. Saints are people whose main struggle in life was to live as "children of God" (second reading) -- merciful, humble, forgiving, peacemakers. They lived the Beatitudes of the Gospel.
I’m going to try an experiment to see if I understand the beatitudes:
Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit. He does not say blessed are the rich.
Jesus says blessed are they who mourn. He does not say blessed are those who party.
Jesus says blessed are the meek. He does not say blessed are those who are bold and loud.
Jesus says blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who could care less.
Jesus says blessed are the merciful. He does not say blessed are those who are vindictive and seek revenge.
Jesus says blessed are the clean of heart. He does not say blessed are those who sin.
Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers. He does not say blessed are those who hate, kill and deceive.
Jesus says blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who never face any hardship.
Jesus says blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you. He does not say blessed are those who never face affliction.
I think this clearly shows what Jesus was saying. Our lives as Christians are not necessarily lives of comfort, carelessness and happiness. It is actually the opposite, and our lives must be lived for those who mourn, in search of righteousness, with clean hearts and knowing it will be a struggle. It is in these things we are truly blessed and it is in these things we truly find our Lord.
Saints are people who suffered often, fell from grace sometimes, but always picked themselves up through genuine sorrow for sin. They are the ones who talked to God as a friend, sought to put His Will first in their lives, and found their strength in the food of the Eucharist.The saints lived free and joyful lives. We hope to be included in their number some day!
Our problem is that the temptations for modern humanity are replete with every devious scheme that the devil can subtly place in our paths. For us to become a member of that great number of saints, we must be sure that we're listening to, AND living, the message of the Gospel and the recommendations of the Vicar of Christ, our pope.
=====================================================
Sunday November 1st is my brother Bob's birthday! Happy birthday, Bob! I'm working on a little something for my blog tomorrow especially for you. I hope it meets your approval.
No comments:
Post a Comment