Let it be

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus presents to us the beatitudes.
He seems to glorify the sufferings of our earthly life. “How blessed are the poor.. those who are hungry.. those who are weeping now.. your reward will be great in heaven”.

For the most part of my life I found this teaching strange, why should we be happy if we are poor or suffering?

It feels like a defeatist attitude to give up hope on this life, like everything in this life doesn’t matter, to just wish everything will all be better in the next heavenly life.

Which if taken to extremes is exactly what religious suicide bombers do because they are hoping for the better “next life”.

But I’ve learnt through life lessons that Jesus is teaching us about acceptance and hope.

Yes we may not be the richest person amongst our peers. Maybe we are suffering the loss of a loved one etc but we need to accept these circumstances that we are placed in.

We draw strength that Jesus is still blessing us. He wants us not to live for the joy on this earth during our short lifespan but look forward to the eternal hope of heavenly bliss when we conclude our journey here.

So let us draw strength from Jesus through prayer and reflection when we go through challenging periods of our lives and allow Him to bless us. Maybe it won’t turn out the way we want it, but in His way.

I’ll end by sharing a little unmetered poem by our RCIA friend Al Dizon who wrote this recently. Each verse contains his interpretation of a corresponding Beatitude.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom, hidden but near,
A quiet strength in humility’s embrace,
Not in riches, but in openness we find our place.

Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted,
In sorrow’s depths, peace grows—
A balm for wounds, a tender seed sown.

Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth,
Not in pride, but in gentleness,
The land becomes theirs, in quiet rebirth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they will be filled,
A hunger that doesn’t fade or tire,
But is met with justice, as the heart’s desire.

Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall receive mercy,
The hands that forgive, heal with grace,
And in their kindness, love finds its place.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God,
In simplicity, in truth, in clarity,
The heart reveals divinity.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called children of God,
In the quiet of peace, the world turns—
From strife to harmony, love’s flame burns.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven,
Though their path is narrow, their courage deep,
They walk in light, in promises they keep.

Let this Be our Attitude. Amen.