June 8, 2015

St. James Bertheiu and the Beatitudes

Even though most of us Catholics learn the beatitudes in our early years, it takes a lot to fully understand what they mean. While listening to lectures, homilies and readings may help us see their meaning more clearly, identifying people who are living them out is the best way to learn how to put them into action.

The life of the Jesuit martyr St. James Bertheiu (1838 – 1896) is one such example.

Already a diocesan priest, Frenchman Fr. James Berthieu joined the Society of Jesus to be a missionary. A few years into his life as a Jesuit, he was sent to Madagascar where he oversaw the construction of churches and schools. He promoted education and was a very dedicated catechist. Berthieu’s life as a missionary in Madagascar was not an easy one. Berthieu and other missionaries were caught in armed conflicts between the French and the Malagasy people during that time. These hostilities did not stop him from carrying out his mission, even if he had to relocate several times for his safety.

Even after he was captured, he continued his mission of spreading the faith. He was tortured and killed because he did not renounce his faith as demanded by enemies of the Church.

Looking at the life of St. James Berthieu, we can see that the beatitudes ask of us to share ourselves, to give. Berthieu was one who shared himself and gave. He gave amidst the hardships that hurt him, amidst the armed conflicts that hurt him more and until he was martyred and it hurt no more. In the process, he became poor in every sense of the beatitudes.

Lord, give us the grace to truly understand the beatitudes, and to live them fully.

One Bread, One Body

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2 Corinthians 1:1-7
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Psalm 34:2-9

Matthew 5:1-12
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THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS

Jesus "began to teach them: 'How blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs.' " —Matthew 5:2-3

Jesus proclaims that He alone knows the secret to happiness. He says that happiness is:

choosing to be poor rather than rich (Mt 5:3),
sorrowing in repentance for our sins rather than feeling good (Mt 5:4),
becoming lowly rather than getting high (Mt 5:5),
hungering for holiness rather than getting what we want (Mt 5:6),
giving others a break rather than getting our rights (Mt 5:7),
having nothing but Jesus rather than having everything (see Mt 5:8),
dying for our enemies rather than killing them (see Mt 5:9), and
being insulted, persecuted, and slandered because of Jesus rather than being popular (Mt 5:10-11).

Many people think Jesus is a fool (see 1 Cor 1:25). What He calls the secret of happiness seems to them the way to misery. However, some people have believed Jesus. They didn't necessarily understand the Beatitudes, but they believed them and tried to live them just because Jesus said them. They walked "by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). These people became the happiest people on earth and perfectly happy in heaven. Jesus was right all along.

Will you believe Jesus, look like a fool, live the Beatitudes, and be happy? Or do you think you know more about happiness than Jesus does?

Prayer: Father, may I be as happy as Your Son's death and resurrection warrants.

Promise: "He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from Him." —2 Cor 1:4

Praise: Jesus healed Larry from severe asthma.