In this week’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to be truly blessed and find lasting happiness. Each beatitude offers a valuable lesson, but the overarching message is clear: we are not called to think and act like the world tells us to. Instead, we must align our lives with God’s will. Let’s explore each beatitude and how we can live it out.
Blessed Are You Who Are Poor
Wealth can make life easier and more comfortable, but it also makes the road to Heaven more challenging. While success and financial stability aren’t inherently bad, our attitude toward wealth matters. When we become too comfortable, we risk relying on ourselves instead of trusting in God.
We must also consider how we use our resources. Can we justify living in luxury while others around us suffer? Every dollar we spend is a choice—do we invest in personal comforts, or do we use our blessings to fight human trafficking, support pro-life efforts, or help the homeless? Jesus doesn’t call us to give away everything, but He does call us to be generous. The more we have, the more we are expected to give.
Blessed Are You Who Are Now Hungry
What drives us to be better? Great athletes constantly push themselves to improve. Spiritually, we should have the same hunger. Are we content with where we are, or do we long for a deeper relationship with God?
Our love for God and our desire for eternity with Him should keep us striving for holiness. When we become too comfortable, we risk becoming complacent. Stay hungry. Never stop growing. Keep setting new spiritual goals, and you’ll find a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Blessed Are You Who Are Weeping
We live in a valley of tears. If life feels too easy, we should pause and reflect—are we truly on the right path? Hardship and suffering are inevitable, and as we grow older, life’s burdens often increase.
At some point, we all carry a cross. Some try to avoid pain or give up when things get tough, but Jesus calls us to embrace our suffering. Instead of letting hardships break us, we can use them to grow stronger and holier.
Blessed Are You When People Hate You
Standing for the truth invites opposition. Even Jesus faced persecution for speaking boldly. While it’s natural to want approval from others, life isn’t a popularity contest. When we stand with Christ, we may lose friends, face criticism, or even be hated—but God’s opinion is the only one that truly matters.
Living out these beatitudes isn’t easy. They challenge us, stretch us, and sometimes make life more difficult. But they also draw us closer to Jesus. We aren’t called to seek out suffering, sadness, or poverty, but when these trials come, we can face them with joy. So when the world tries to shake your faith, smile. When life gets tough, rejoice, for you are blessed.
