Daily Reflections - June 11, 2012

WHERE TO?

 

Before we are finally ordained for the priesthood, we need to pass a comprehensive examination that includes all the things that we have learned, with emphasis on clear and correct understanding of the basic doctrines of the Catholic Faith. The common structure of the exam is the Apostle’s Creed because it contains everything that we believe in. Other theologians also consider the Lord’s Prayer. But some see the fullness of faith in the Gospel reading that we have today — the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes was Jesus’ opening teaching in the so-called Sermon on the Mount. There, He addressed some of the basic questions of His time. But the Beatitudes specifically responded to the need for holiness as means to salvation. Jesus makes clear that He is the reason for everything. Blessedness is not based on one’s status but on why one is in that status. Poverty, imprisonment, rejection and sorrow, for example, are blessings if experienced in faith. They are not curses of life; they can also be sources of holiness. In the same way, riches, laughter, freedom, fame and power are not always a sign of blessing. For them to be blessings, they must have been attained morally and, more importantly, used for God’s purpose.

It is sad how material or earthly things are dominating the lives of people today. Maybe it is because of our humanity. But let us remember that we came from God. We were created in His image and likeness. Human as we are, we have souls, too! We are destined for the Kingdom of God and not for the world and we should give the highest regard to that which will lead us to our destiny. We must not allow ourselves to be used. Rather, the things of the world must be used in accordance with God’s Will.

Holiness is not a luxury for a Christian — it is a must. Either we are holy or evil. It is not an impossible dream. By ourselves, we cannot achieve it. With God, everything is possible! The Beatitudes provide a direction and supply a ”to do” list to achieve our goal of holiness. If not God’s Kingdom, where? Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Check out the Beatitudes. Which applies to your present situation? How can you turn your present situation into a blessing?

 

Lord Jesus, You called us to holiness. May everything that we experience and everything that we do lead us to Your Kingdom.