BLESSED INDED

BLESSED INDEED IV SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME A In recent weeks we have had the opportunity to reflect on the beginning of the mission of Jesus. And if you remember I’ve been saying we should use it as an opportunity to reflect on our own calling. Two weeks ago I talked about our parish groups and how they help us respond to the call of Jesus. Last week I talked about how Jesus calls us by name to follow him. Today, in chapter 5 we learn what our mission is. The beatitudes of Jesus are addressed to the disciples of Jesus. Jesus tells us what our mission is, and how we should exercise our ministry in the world. The beatitudes are in two parts, first Jesus explains today's situation, “Blessed are the poor in spirit... and then he talks about the glory of the future. "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." So Jesus is first saying how we disciples of Jesus should be in the world and then he talks about the glories that we are going to know. So the beatitudes indicate to us the Spirit that should inspire us as disciples of Jesus in our ministry as Church. Blessed is the church "Poor in spirit" and with a simple heart, which acts without arrogance or self-importance. A church that has its authority not because it has wealth or a lot of power, but because we walk with the poor, those who suffer. Theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed is the church that "mourns" with those who mourn and suffer in our society. A church that feels at home with those who suffer, more so the excluded than with the arrogant and wealthy. One day they will be comforted by God. Blessed is the church that hungers and thirsts for justice. A church that not only talks about civil rights, but also works to make it a reality. Your struggle will be satisfied by God. Blessed is the merciful and compassionate church. Not a church just of rules that only tells us what we cannot do. A church that welcomes sinners and those who are excluded from society. Thus they will attain the mercy of God. Blessed is the church with a "clean heart" or a church that does not try to hide its sins. A transparent church that has no secrets. One day you will see God. Blessed is the church that "works for peace" A church that is against wars. And not only the wars in Ukraine and Afghanistan. But the wars in our homes, and our own church. They will be children of God. Blessed is the church that is criticized because it walks with the poorest and most excluded. The church that does not put its reputation first but rather the poorest who suffer the most in today's world. Because theirs is the kingdom of God. Or rather, this is the kingdom of God. The beatitudes tell us how we are to be disciples of Jesus. They tell us what the true church is like. Only a church that walks with those on the margins has the authority and credibility to show the true face of Jesus to men and women today.