From our Pastor’s Desk

Dear Family:

The Sermon on the Mount contains the essence of Jesus’ teaching. The Beatitudes are the essence of the Sermon. They contain the qualities Jesus wishes to see in his followers, qualities which are a complete reversal of conventional values and standards. The Beatitudes are a prescription for real and genuine happiness, a prescription for blessedness. Perhaps we could say that the teaching of today’s Gospel is the most important instruction Jesus gave us. The Beatitudes are as important for our happiness as living according to the Ten Commandments. In the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us that what is in our heart is vitally important for our happiness.

These Beatitudes, like some other teachings in the Scriptures, are paradoxes. In literature, a paradox is a statement that appears to be a contradiction but contains truth. A paradox simply puts logic on its head. It contradicts conventional thinking and turns logic upside down. For example, the beatitudes go completely against the worldly standard of happiness and suggest ways of happiness that are strange to people who consider themselves intelligent and smart in worldly affairs. The world says that the road to happiness is to have more money, power, and material possessions; but Jesus says the way to happiness is to be more humble and merciful. According to Jesus, each of the eight milestones to happiness has a corresponding reward that follows it.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The world says: Happy are you who are well-off. You can have whatever you want. Be glad and rejoice when the money is coming in fast. Never stop to ask by what means or at whose expense. You will be the envy of all. Jesus says: Happy are you who put your trust in God rather than in money. Happy are you who realize that it is not the amount of possessions you have that makes you truly rich but the kind of person you are. You will be rich in God’s eyes, and that is what matters.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.” The world says: Happy are you, the tough guys. You who throw your weight around. You who are ruthless. You’ll get results. Jesus says: Happy are you who are gentle and kind. You who refuse to trample on others. You are the truly great.

“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The world says: Happy are you who live it up. Remember you only live once. So let your hair down. Always strive to keep yourself high on something or other. Life will be great fun. Jesus says: Happy are you who remember that the most valuable things in life have to be bought with sacrifice. You who do not confuse real happiness with cheap and passing thrills. Even though you may sow in sorrow, you will reap the rewards of a good life with joy.

“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” The world says: Happy are you who hunger for power, status, and fame. Never stop to ask if something is right. Ask only if it benefits you. You will always be in the limelight. Jesus says: Happy are you who have standards and values, and who are prepared to live up to them. You who realize that to live well is what life is about, and who rate that even more important than eating and drinking. You will taste real happiness.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” The world says: Happy are you who always insist on beating your opponent. You who show no mercy or forgiveness to those who make mistakes in case people would take advantage of you. You will be the boss, and everybody will know it. Jesus says: Happy are you who are able to make allowances for the mistakes, sins, and faults of others, and whose greatness lies in your ability to forgive and forget. You who can show kindness and compassion even to those who oppose you. The sun of God‘s mercy will shine warmly on you.

“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” The world says: Happy are you whose fingernails are always clean; whose hands are always soft; whose teeth are always shining; and who keeps up to date with the latest style of clothes. You will be really with it. Jesus says: Happy are you who consider a clean mind more important than clean fingernails; a good conscience more important than clean hands; a kind and truthful tongue more important than clean teeth; and who consider it more important to be a genuine person than to wear the latest style of clothes. You will be able to find God in the world.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The world says: Happy are you who are always stirring things up. You who get satisfaction out of spreading gossip about others. You who lord it over others and who have no doubts about exploiting the poor and the weak. People will be forced to take notice of you. Jesus says: Happy are you who work to unite people by helping to spread understanding among them. You who welcome the stranger. You who work for a more just society, thus laying the foundations of lasting peace. You will shine out like a light in the darkness.

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The world says: Happy you who always fit in, and who never rock the boat. Happy you who know how to cheat and steal, lie and deceive, and who manage to get off scot-free. You will have a good laugh. Jesus says: Happy you who stick up for what is right and true, not what is popular. You who could do wrong but who do not. If you lose a promotion and other perks, and if people laugh at you and consider you a fool as a result, do not let that worry you. I promise you, you will have the last laugh in the Kingdom of Heaven.

As we reflect on the Beatitudes, we are invited to examine our own lives. Are we living out the values of the Beatitudes? Do we seek to be peacemakers in our interactions with others? In a world that often values power and wealth, how can we embody humility and compassion? This week, let us strive to be more aware of our actions and attitudes, seeking opportunities to show kindness, mercy, and love to those around us. Lord, helps us be One Body, One Spirit, One Family!

Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint Michael the Archangel, St. José Gregorio Hernández, Pope Saint Pius X, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Charbel, pray for us.

Yours in Christ!
Fr. Omar