Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
How often have you heard someone say, “I am so blessed”? What exactly does that mean? In many instances, the individual making this comment is referring to an experience or situation in his of her life that brings them joy. In today’s reading Jesus describes the various qualities of a disciple who is “blessed”, but some of these actions do not seem to be sources of happiness (those who mourn or those who are persecuted.). The word “blessed” takes on a much richer meaning when Jesus directs His followers.
In today’s reading, Jesus takes His disciples to the mountaintop to share His blueprint for discipleship- the Beatitudes.
He calls us to be poor in spirit, mournful, meek, thirsting for righteousness, merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers and strong in the face of persecution. How can these actions/qualities make a person blessed? If you look for a common denominator in all of these suggestions, they all call a person to be God and other centered. A person who is blessed is seeking a world that is filled with mercy, peace, righteousness, purity, and lack of violence- which if we think about it, is really what we believe the kingdom of God will look like. The joy that a person experiences by living as a disciple does not occur because there is a lack of pain and suffering. Being blessed flows from a person who places God first and recognizes His hand in the world around him or her. There is a deep sense of gratefulness that God is the source of all that is good, and even in the midst of suffering this person knows that God is present. One of the definitions of “blessed” is to be consecrated or holy- belonging to God. Jesus shows us on how to be holy- set apart for God. We are God’s chosen when we follow His directives in the Beatitudes.
So when a person says that they are “blessed” is there a connection to the ideals set forth in the Beatitudes? I believe there can be. When a person reflects on a situation and finds the blessing, this individual is recognizing that the experience is a gift and it is something that is given from God.
A recent experience helps me describe this situation. At my Dad’s 90th birthday gathering he gave a short speech and said several times- “we are blessed”. He went on to explain how there was a sense of family among all those present- co-workers, friends and family members. There is no talk of “in-law” only family and despite our minor disagreements everyone is able to get along. I think my Dad recognized that this sense of peace and love was something far beyond our human making. This was a gift from God and my Dad was immensely grateful for this blessing. We are blessed when we find God in the ordinary living of family and friends, and we allow His grace to direct our paths. Our family is in no way perfect, but hopefully there is“holiness”- being set apart for God- through the way love one another.
The Beatitudes hold a very high standard and one that seems impossible to attain. Fortunately we are not expected to do this alone. Through prayer and sacrament, Jesus empowers us to live this blessed life. The Spirit of God enlivens us to be people of peace, mercy, and love. We need to get out of the way and allow God to be in control- which is not an easy task. I believe one of the important parts of being blessed is an awareness that each of us is “set apart for God” and called to be holy. When we are able to find God in all things and we are grateful for His grace, then we can improve our ability to stay connected to Him. By allowing Jesus to be our role model and inviting the Spirit to direct our actions, we can be counted among the blessed and can “rejoice and be glad” living as children of God.
Loving Father, Jesus shows us both in words and actions how we can become blessed- or set apart- for you. Send your Spirit and fill us with Your grace, so we can build your kingdom. We pray this through Christ our LORD, Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline