It is very fitting that we reflect on the Beatitudes today. Why? Because all the saints lived the Beatitudes in one way, shape or form. Each Beatitude begins with the word blessed. Some translations use the word happy instead. But scholars like Rabbi Steven Schwarzschild object. “Happy is not good enough,” he says. Blessed means “you aren’t lost; you are on the right path the Creator intends for you to be on.”
The first Beatitude, for example, says “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Here the word poor does not mean destitute. It means, on a deeper level, to be powerless or helpless. That describes all of us in matters that really count—such as health, the future and even some relationships. Ultimately, we are on the right path, we are blessed when we humbly acknowledge our dependency on God’s goodness and love.
- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
For many years I have contemplated the Beattitudes. One of the recurring truths I have discovered is Jesus’ connection of opposites. He in some ways tells us that we can only know one thing if we know its opposite. I could describe it this way, you can never know the relief and pleasure of a good back scratch if you don’t feel the itch first. Simple but it gives you a material idea of the opposites of the Beattitudes. You can never know comfort if you have never mourned…you may experience comfort in a variety of ways but to really KNOW it is to have the sense of life and the release from deep sadness at a loss even though that particular loss still exists. As too, meek people are those in the background who do not rush to grab the best of the bounty allowing others to have their share first whether it be attention or the best seat in the house or the best portion off the table. But they then can rejoice in the little or lot God gives them. They can truly be thankful and enjoy life whereas those that are constantly out to get the “best of the best” will never have enough and will never be truly grateful. They will never have that feeling of being satisfied because there is always more and better to attain (as so many commercials tell us). Just a thought for the day for you all that when you are experiencing the hardness of life you are opening yourself up to the realizations of joys in this world AND the one Jesus has opened for us in the next. Happy Wednesday to everyone
Vicky and living faith family heard priest tell elementary school students this Beatitudes. "Be the attitude " more to follow. Bill thanks for a sinner prayer. Feedmore calls . Ken
Thank you for yet another beautiful reflection, Sr. Melanie. I appreciate you sharing Rabbi Steven Schwarzschild objection of “Happy is not good enough…. Blessed means “you aren’t lost; you are on the right path the Creator intends for you to be on.” For me it sheds new light on thinking about someone who is “blessed.” They are in tune with and acting on God’s will for them. That is blessed. Sending light to our LFF community so we can see our right path.
Lord, please hear our continued prayers for those grieving the losses of their family, friends and extended community. Also our continued petitions for the Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Amen...thank you so much Sr. Melannie and LFF....I feel so blessed in spirit...thank you Lord for your wonderful mercies always
Thank you, Sr. Melannie. May the Lord make us rich with blessings. And may we bestow those blessings on those around us. Birthday and anniversary blessings to all those celebrating this November. Someone mentioned A sinner's prayer. I will repost it again on their behalf.... Amen! Thank you, Holy Father, for this beautiful day and for this Gospel today. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for my faith, my life and for my family. Thank you, Holy Father, most of all, for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord Jesus Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory. Amen Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask that you release your warrior angels and heavenly hosts. We decry and declare that they would take us off the enemies' radar and scramble the enemies' frequencies (airwaves). Your Kingdom must come now. Your will must be done right now, as in the heavens, also on earth. Amen Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the power of God - Cast into hell satan and all evil spirits that prowl about the earth seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
Amen. Thank you for posting this, Bill. Praying that A Sinner is okay.
Amen.
Amen
Amen....
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Help me please to help the poor in spirit as I was helped when my spirit was low. Amen Amen Amen