28^th /29^th JANUARY 2023

“RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY”

Dear Parishioners,

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus points the way to BLESSEDNESS – THE BEATITUDES. True happiness/blessedness comes through living the Beatitudes of justice and mercy, gentleness and peace making. It is not easy to live these qualities when surrounded by greed, selfishness and injustices in our world.

The Beatitudes contain the essentials of Jesus’ teachings. They list the qualities that Christ wishes to see in his followers. They show a complete contrast to worldly values:

Some people say: Happy are you if you are well-off and money is coming in fast; never mind how or at whose expense!

Jesus says: Blessed are you who know your need of God; You who put your trust in God, rather than material things. All that you need will be given to you. You will be rich in the eyes of God, and that’s what matters.

The world says: Happy are you who are tough and ruthless. People will be afraid of you and you will get results!

Jesus says: Blessed are you who are gentle, kind and forgiving. Gentleness is a form of strength, not weakness.

The world says: Happy are you troublemakers and war-mongers. People will fear you; you will get your own way and be famous!

Jesus says: Blessed are the peacemakers; you who build bridges; who welcome the strangers; who work for justice and harmony. You are true children of God.

The world says: Happy are you if you can humiliate and intimidate people and be above the law for your own benefit!

Jesus says: Blessed are you who make a stand for what is right. If you suffer wounds as a result, you will be a witness of a true follower of mine and will gain honour on earth and glory in heaven.

Yes, living the Beatitudes is a badge, a sign of a true disciple of Christ. We become rich in the eyes of God and are living already in the kingdom of God and working to build up the kingdom of justice, love and peace.

The final Beatitude is addressed to those who are suffering and are paying the price by enduring persecution, intimidation of one kind or another. The teaching of Jesus in today’s Gospel is a recipe for happiness/blessedness in this world and in the next. The Greek word ‘makarios’ means happiness as om the Gospel text. Jesus is appealing to his followers to rise above greed, preoccupation with wealth, possessions, power, fame and self-interest. The virtues of generosity, humility, kindness, mercy, peace-making and endurance bring their own rewards in this life, but also in the life to come

There are other qualities mentioned in the Beatitudes. Can you spend some time to quietly unpack the riches that are there? It is like unwrapping a present from a loving God.

Have a blessed week ahead,

Fr Joe