LENT 2014 * Joy of the Gospel Series * five

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Pope Francis In His Own Words,
Joy of the Gospel:

271. It is true that in our dealings with the world, we are told to give reasons for our hope, but not as an enemy who critiques and condemns. We are told quite clearly: 

• “do so with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet 3:15) and 
• “if possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18). 
• We are also told to overcome “evil with good” (Rom 12:21) and to 
• “work for the good of all” (Gal 6:10). 

Far from trying to appear better than others, we should “in humility count others better” than ourselves (Phil 2:3). The Lord’s apostles themselves enjoyed “favour with all the people” (Acts 2:47; 4:21, 33; 5:13). Clearly Jesus does not want us to be grandees who look down upon others, but men and women of the people. This is not an idea of the Pope, or one pastoral option among others; they are injunctions contained in the word of God which are so clear, direct and convincing that they need no interpretations which might diminish their power to challenge us. Let us live them sine glossa, without commentaries. By so doing we will know the missionary joy of sharing life with God’s faithful people as we strive to light a fire in the heart of the world.

REFLECTIONS It comes down to attitude. A "Holier-than-thou" attitude is quickly picked up by people and turns off any receptivity they have to what is being said.  * The topic of religion is unpopular because it often ends in acrimonious debate. * Showing how things can change for the better, with one's self as an example, can start a dialogue.

272. Loving others is a Spiritual force drawing us to union with God; indeed, one who does not love others 

• “walks in the darkness” (1 Jn 2:11), 
• “remains in death” (1 Jn 3:14) 
• “does not know God” (1 Jn 4:8). 

Benedict XVI has said that “closing our eyes to our neighbour also blinds us to God”, and that love is, in the end, the only light which “can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working”. 

• When we live out a Spirituality of drawing nearer to others and seeking their welfare, our hearts are opened wide to the Lord’s greatest and most beautiful gifts. 
• Whenever we encounter another person in love, we learn something new about God. 
• Whenever our eyes are opened to acknowledge the other, we grow in the light of faith and knowledge of God. 
• If we want to advance in the Spiritual life, then, we must constantly be missionaries. 

The work of evangelization enriches the mind and the heart; it opens up Spiritual horizons; it makes us more and more sensitive to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and it takes us beyond our limited Spiritual constructs. A committed missionary knows the joy of being a spring which spills over and refreshes others. 

Only the person who feels happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness, can be a missionary. 

This openness of the heart is a source of joy, since “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We do not live better when we flee, hide, refuse to share, stop giving and lock ourselves up in our own comforts. Such a life is nothing less than slow suicide. Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter, Deus Caritas Est (25 December 2005), 16: AAS 98 (2006), 230. 210 Ibid., 39: AAS 98 (2006), 250. 204 

  

REFLECTION * Make a list of the ways you are engaged in the world that make a difference.

273. My mission of being in the heart of the people is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off; it is not an “extra” or just another moment in life. Instead, it is something I cannot uproot from my being without destroying my very self. I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world. We have to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing. All around us we begin to see nurses with soul, teachers with soul, politicians with soul, people who have chosen deep down to be with others and for others. But once we separate our work from our private lives, everything turns grey and we will always be seeking recognition or asserting our needs. We stop being a people.

REFLECTION * Those engaged in special service often wear a uniform. As they put on their uniform, their true identity is made evident, both to themselves as well as others. Symbolism is an important part of how we communicate. Often today, we see outward religious symbolism being suppressed.  * “…… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mtt. 5:16 * Let it be known, in who's name you are acting.

274. If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realize that every person is worthy of our giving. Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we might receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, his creation. God created that person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives. Jesus offered his precious blood on the cross 205 for that person. Appearances notwithstanding, every person is immensely holy and deserves our love. Consequently, if I can help at least one person to have a better life, that already justifies the offering of my life. It is a wonderful thing to be God’s faithful people. We achieve fulfillment when we break down walls and our heart is filled with faces and names!

REFLECTION * The link below is a video of Father Robert Barron delivering the keynote talk at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. He laid out seven keys to the New Evangelization. This is a must see in conjunction with these reflections.  Fr. Robert Barron On 7 Keys to New Evangelization