Breaking the Word

All Saints Day, Tuesday – 01^st November 2022 — Gospel: Mt 5,1-12

Blessed Revelation

The Solemnity of all Saints reminds us that we are united with a galaxy of witnesses, who inspires, intercedes for us and challenges us to make the ‘universal call to holiness’ ours. A perusal of the book of saints will offer potential disappointment to anyone who hopes to become a saint: many suffered greatly to the faith, often to the point of death in most cruel ways. Yet, Saints are not from above; they are one among us. Their lives mirrored ours: our desires, our doubts, and our struggles to follow Jesus. Upon realizing the precious status of being the children of God, they dedicated their entire life to God, leaving behind all the pleasures of the earth. So, they remind us once again of the truth of our existence. They stand as milestones because they have gone before us and have reached their final destiny. Now, they show us the examples of how to live our Christian life meaningfully in different circumstances without losing our focus.

The Eight Beatitudes are a type of revelation that allows us a glimpse into the characters of Christ and those whom he calls disciples. Poor in spirit, they desire only what glorifies the Father. Mournful over true injustice, they do not shrink from solidarity in the suffering of others, even suffering for others’ sins. In them meekness reigns, not as in those who resign themselves to the evils of the world, but as in those who treat others with gentleness and patience in long suffering. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness, they do not seek violence but rather magnanimity in the light to establish truth. They offer mercy to others because they themselves have fully received it as a gift from God.  Pure of heart, they live a simplicity of intention for the things of God, not tainted by selfishness. Persecuted and insulted, they rejoice that they can suffer what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.

31^stWeek in Ord. Time, Monday – 31^st October 2022 — Gospel: Lk 14,12-14

Genuine giving in Hospitality

The meal with the Pharisees provides Jesus an opportunity to teach about hospitality and generosity in God’s Kingdom. Rather than inviting people who are able to repay hospitality, a host of a banquet should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. We notice here Luke’s emphasis on the compassion of Jesus and his preferential option for the poor and the unloved. Hospitality and generosity are genuine when no motive exists besides giving. In turn Jesus promises joy, peace and happiness to those who render without expecting anything in return. Doing good that cannot be reciprocated is contrary to the profit making attitude of this world’s standards and that is why it brings many true blessings from God. The poor are those with little of this world’s goods. They hardly enjoy human dignity and respect in this society. Jesus’ love touches the miserable, the outcasts and the weak. He leads them into freedom and joy that Jesus shares from his Father.