Gospel – Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Reflection on the Gospel
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
The call Jesus issues to follow these exhortations is certainly challenging.
It might help if I take some time to remember instances when Jesus followed his own advice.
It is also difficult to accept being insulted and perhaps persecuted for trying to act as Jesus did.
The good news is the rewards that come with this plan of action.
However, it’s a different way to be rewarded then we are used to.
We hear advertisements about the fastest internet frequently.
This is the mentality we have so it is quite different to wait until heaven to get my great reward.
If I decide to try to do as Jesus asks, I will have to be very patient.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.