Reading them is a blessing in and of itself, as with each reading I examine my life and see where I fall short. Knowing that God has set out rewards for those who suffer soothes my soul, yet I wonder most of us here in America know what suffering is. I've had problems in my life, have lost loved ones, and have failed to live up to my Christian obligations over and over; knowing that God has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation eases my heart because knowing God will forgive me helps me forgive myself, and others.
But it is the last Beatitude that really hits home. I think of Father Elijah and other Christians in countries that persecute Christians, and while I fear for their safety, I know deep down that God has a special place in the kingdom of Heaven for defenders of the faith in the most mortal sense. These are people taking the Word to all nations, and often being killed because of it! May God bless them and protect them!
I often wonder if I could be so strong in my faith and spirit that I would willingly die a painful death to stand up for the Jesus Christ. I don't know. It bothers me that I don't know. In America we are fat and secure, even those without a lot of wealth. Are we meek? Humble? Poor in spirit? Are we truly merciful? Am I merciful?
I know that I am prideful, that I hold grudges even when I try to forget past wrongs, and I secretly enjoy the fall of bad people, or people who have wronged me or my family. These are things I regularly need to confess and pray on because they don't go away.
The beatitudes are the best examination of conscience, and how have we in our lives attempted to live up to them.
Anyway, I'm rambling, but this was an incredibly thought-provoking post.
God bless all.
Beatitude Ping -- Sunday February 11, 2007!