There are times when our sufferings seem too great, beyond our capacity to bear. When this happens, it may be easier to just give up. Thankfully God sends us people who can help and console us. Being part of Christ’s Church we receive great encouragement from fellow Christians to persevere in carrying the crosses in our life. This encouragement we receive gives us strength and inspires us to help those who need help. Paul speaks of this in the first reading.
In the Gospel reading, the Beatitudes give us values to aspire for. The Beatitudes give us hope to move forward in very difficult times and challenges. The Beatitudes promise light and joy at the end of sorrow and pains in this life.
All want to experience the joys of the heavenly kingdom: the Beatitudes tell us that heaven will be enjoyed by the poor in spirit, the gentle and merciful, the pure of heart and the peace-makers, and those persecuted for justice’s sake.
Do we want to be among the “fortunate” in the kingdom of God?
