Mt 5:1-12 Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit
The Beatitudes are the distinctive trade mark of Christians. They contain the conditions and promises of discipleship. To be a follower of Christ means to be meek and humble of heart. In essence, humility is the common ingredient contained in all the beatitudes, even those starting with the Blessed Virgin Mary: “Blessed are you among women” and “All generations will call me blessed.” Why? “Because the Lord has done great things through me!”
Humility, humility, humility! History has demonstrated, over and over again, that only the humble seek the Lord; husbands and wives know, and all too well, that only the humble observe God’s Laws. Moms and dads are well acquainted with the fact that only the humble speak no lies. “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Remember: It takes a great man to realize how small he is. In order to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, I must remain small, simple, humble. A child-like heart is necessary in order to enter heaven. After all, we all love a humble person. St. Paul reminds us, “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord” (1Cor 1:31).
Kathy Griffin became famous for her tantrum at the Emmy awards. Her famous “cut” speech at the awards ceremony was not aired, but her dark personality shined brightly for the entire world to see. Her “suck it, Jesus” Emmy speech won her very few new friends or fans. But what is remarkable about this young lady is that her antiquated autobiography is now on sale, 50% off, whereas the Bible is never on sale. I guess there is no good reason for it to be on sale since it continues to be the number one best seller ever! When I recently entered a book store, I was more than happy to peel the 50% sticker off Griffin’s book and place it on the Holy Book. Whoever buys her book deserves to pay full price for it! My bad!
Am I humble? Not sure? Let us take the test to find out. Take some time and answer these questions.
· Am I quick to judge? Do I gossip? Do I easily put others down? Do I get easily annoyed with those who do not agree with me?
· Am I quick to anger? “I can’t believe you did this!” Do I hold on to grudges?
· Am I calculating in my prayers? “If this happens, then I will do this…”
· Do I have difficulty asking for forgiveness, saying I’m sorry?
· Do I get angry when others do not thank me? Am I impatient with others? Distant with some?
· Do I think that I am the only one who can do it right? Do I put myself first? Do I have a hard time accepting correction or guidance?
Once you finish answering the following questions, read first Corinthians 1:26-31.
May I never boast in my own success, but in the success of the Lord, who humbled himself for my sake and died on the cross for my sake. May I never forget that I belong to Him.
Fr. Alfonse-
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you did not mean 1 Corinthians 1:26-31?
Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 1 only has 24 verses.
In any case, this meditation is wonderful as was your sermon this morning.
Jan
Do I have a hard time accepting correction?
ReplyDeleteOnce you finish answering the following questions, read 2 Corinthians 1:26-31
A test: It's 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Yes. Sorry for the error. :-)
ReplyDeleteIknow you meant well Father but when someone goes to buy the bible that you put the 50 percent of sticker on the coding on the sticker will automatically come up Kathy Griffins book and just to double check they will type in the code of the bible that it is on and when it doesn't match the will n ot let them have it for that price i know i work for target and i can spot a switched ticket from 20 paces however i do appreciate your effort
ReplyDeleteI am appalled at Kathy Griffins behavior as well, and a bookstore selling her book while repugnant does not excuse us as Christians to vandalize a retailers inventory or do dishonest things like that. I would expect more from you to set a better example. There is a way which seems right unto a man.....I am sure there was a better way to protest with a bit more humility, I must say I am a bit disappointed.
ReplyDelete