Blessed

Yesterday's gospel reading includes St. Luke's description of the beatitudes. Jesus probably gave this description of the faithful life many times, so here we have another time that this occurred (it even describes the location as quite different than Matthew's description). Reading through this passage it is easy for us to take it for granted, as we often do when we encounter something that we have heard many times.

This time I looked at it and realized how the world we live in reverses every one of these. Listen to it that way: woe to those who hunger; woe to those who weep; woe to those who are persecuted. Blessed are the rich; blessed are the full; blessed are those who laugh; blessed are those who are complimented. It almost sounds correct; especially if we are used to hearing the world's lies. No, however, that is not what the Lord said, but it is what people believe.

We live in a pitifully selfish society. I encourage you each to take a closer look at the beatitudes; specifically in Luke's version yesterday. Read them and use them as an examination of conscience. Do not do this just to see what you are doing, but, more importantly, to determine the state of your heart. Ask yourself whether you really do value what Jesus values and detest what He detests. Only then can we know if we are truly "blessed" as our Lord says.