Daily Reflections

November 1, 2011
CALLED TO HOLINESS

We begin this month of “prayers for the dead” by celebrating the lives of saints who have gone before us. Each year, the Church gives us the Gospel of the Beatitudes. Jesus is the New Moses who ascends the mountain to speak out the necessary attitudes to be able to follow Him. Every saint has followed Jesus in his lifetime and now receives his just reward. Where they go, we hope to follow.
The Beatitudes are the very heart of Jesus expressed to us in His life and ministry. As Jesus declares the blessedness of such people, He is stating that those who are obedient and live out these beatitudes are deeply joyful and experience well-being. It is more than just being happy. Blessedness points to an interior attitude of heart, mind and body. As Rabbi, Jesus takes His seat and teaches the disciples the following beatitudes — a common position of the Jewish Rabbi. As we reflect upon His words, it seems a tall order to follow.
Being poor, meek, mournful, hungry, thirsty and persecuted are, in fact, ways of blessedness or fullness of well-being. It is a stark contrast to what the world teaches us to follow. The world teaches us to compete, strive, achieve and succeed. These are all exceptional qualities of a human being. However, we must consider these in the light of Jesus’ teaching. Otherwise, they are folly.
All of us are called to be saints. The saints we remember today were very normal people like us. However, the saint is a sinner open to the transcendent grace and power of the Lord. Their weakness is transformed and sanctified. They seek to follow Jesus not counting the cost. Think of your own patron saint. Did they fit these criteria of the Beatitudes? Seek their intercession today so that you would be a person of the Beatitudes. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
You are a saint by virtue of your baptism. How do you live up to that privilege?

God, our Father, You called us to be saints. Sanctify our lives and let us live the way of holiness. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Blessed Paul Navarro, pray for us.