Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven. (Mt 5:11-12a)
Homeless. Poor. Powerless. Oppressed. Lonely. Grieving.
All of these are indications of being blessed?!
That is what Jesus appeared to be saying in today’s Gospel.
He spoke to a people who equated good and good things with blessing. If someone had wealth, power, prestige, family and friends, that person was blessed. If someone had none of that, that person was cursed.
Jesus was saying that those who appeared as cursed were actually blessed.
Jesus knew what He was saying, however.
If someone is poor, lonely, powerless and the like, that person is more open to be dependent upon others and, ultimately, upon God.
God is the one who provides for us.
We do not “earn” everything because of ourselves. They have been given to us by a God who loves us.
It would do well to remember that this day.
FAITH ACTION: Pray for those who are without. If at all possible, come to the aid of someone in need today.