Friday, January 2, 2015

Blessings


Blessed are they who are poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are they who are meek and humble; they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who will mourn in sorrow; they will be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice; they will be satisfied.
Blessed are they who show others mercy; they will know mercy too.
Blessed are hearts that are clean and holy; they will behold the Lord.
Blessed are they who bring peace among us; they are the children of God.
Bless those who suffer from persecution; theirs is the kingdom of God.
Such simple words, but words that can change a world.  Blessings is a concept unfamiliar with time and space, it is not of this world.  We say we give our blessing, but it is truly only God that can bless.  He alone has the power to give us that solitude. 
When we come to the Lord in silent prayer, we are lifting up our hearts to Him and asking Him to hear our plea, for a loved one ill or dying, for a happy marriage, for your child or family member in distress or for ourselves. 
As Saint St. Frances Xavier Cabrini once said, “We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend upon material success . . . but on Jesus alone”.
It is amazing to me that when we dedicate our lives to Him, lifting our prayers in perpetual adoration, the multitude of blessings that seem to come our way.  Perhaps it is the simple nature of being together that makes this possible.  Or could it be that God is saying to us that we matter, the people around us matter, that life matters.
It is a concept many shy away from but it is a concept worth fighting for.  Come and adore Him, born the King of Israel.  Are these just empty words or are they something we practice, each and every day?  He is waiting for us to take the first step.
Start with a modest act, pray for someone to pray for you.  Each and every day, members of our parish pray for us in silent reflection.  Could we not do the same for them?
Remember, we are the light of the world - may our light shine before all - that they may see the good that we do, and give glory to God.  May He bless you and keep you, forever.  May His peace be with you, always.