Blessed are you...

poor in spirit - the kingdom of heaven shall be yours
meek - shall possess the land
mourn - shall be comforted
hunger and thirst for justice - shall have your fill
merciful - shall receive mercy
clean of heart - shall see God
peacemakers - children of God
suffer persecution for justice' sake - yours is the kingdom of heaven

The world persecuted the prophets before you. They were misunderstood and judged. Mocked and killed. Much like they did to Jesus. In one form or another, this same future is destined for you. This is not to say you are to live in fear...that you are not to enjoy the life that God has given you. Our Lord wants you to live a life filled with joy so that you may be that light for Him here on earth. You must realize, however, that your days are fleeting and eternity is awaiting you.

There are many forces in society that work to pull people away from God - do not be blind to them. It is tempting to be drawn into living the comfortable life, placing your security in material things...in your youth...in your family and friends...in anything but Jesus. Remember what Fr. John said during his homily last Sunday. The Jews put their faith in their beloved Temple, but God allowed it to be destroyed where no brick was left on top of another. Sometimes, as you have seen in your own experience, that for our own good, things and loved ones are taken away so that we will find nothing standing but our God.

So let them go...one by one...and do not let sadness overcome you when He calls you to give them up. The greatest source of security and happiness can only be found in Him. May you meet Him in your heart with gladness, knowing that He will never leave you.

"I have told you all this, so that in Me you will have peace. You will have trouble in the world; but, courage! I have overcome the world." (Jn 16:33)