Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Psalm 34 and Matthew 5:1-12
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12)
Our responsorial psalm this morning sums up our readings beautifully by saying: I will bless the lord at all times. (Psalm 34:2). In the beatitudes, Jesus teaches us to bless God even in difficult times because what the world may consider as painful, humiliating or unwanted may actually contain the key to our happiness.
Be poor in spirit, be humble and docile, don’t assert yourself over others, you will be happy. It is okay to mourn, you may not win all the time. For instance, for being honest, you may have to lose money but don’t worry, you will be happy.
Be meek, allow people take you for a ride, don’t fight anyone, you will be happy. Be hungry and thirst for righteousness, not just for food and drink, you will be happy. Be quick to forgive people, don’t carry any grudge in your mind, think only positive things about others, be merciful, and you will be happy.
Be pure in your heart, delete anything immoral from your inner space, you will be happy. Be a peacemaker, fight for unity not for division, settle people when they quarrel, don’t pick up quarrels with others, you will be happy.
You may be persecuted for righteousness' sake, but don’t worry, you will be happy in the end. For being a good person, people will revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you. Just remain a good person. Don’t give up on your goodness, you will be happy.
Think about what Jesus is demanding from you and those times you actually followed this path only to find happiness rather unexpectedly. In summary, suffering makes us strong. This is what St. Paul teaches in the first reading today. His prayer for us is that should we ever suffer, may we also enjoy consolation at the end.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I follow the path of happiness you have laid down for me. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 10 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Psalm 34 and Matthew 5:1-12).