St. Anthony & Our Lady of Fatima

The directive Jesus gives today are difficult ones.  Why would anyone want to do good to the person who hates?  Why wouldn’t we expect that what was borrowed would be returned?  It may sometimes seem that it is getting harder to love.  We might walk or even run away from conflict and never take the opportunity to repair relationships.  Still, we say we are Christian.  We are to be  powerful in our love of others.  Trusting in the Lord, we can fulfill our mandate to be Christian.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed his union with those who are poor, who are hungry, and who weep.  In saying that they are “blessed,” he pointed them toward heaven.  Too often we think of the here an now.  It is helpful to be reminded that we long and hope for heaven.  Our time on earth, during which we may be hated for doing what is right, is just a station along the way.  We may have sorrows now, but we can look forward to blessings in heaven.

With the many responsibilities in our lives, we often forget that Jesus and his disciples took time to rest.  To be good at whatever we do, including ministry, we cannot neglect times of rest and renewal.  Work will always be there.  Part of a life of sacrifice and praise includes taking regular moments to enjoy the peace of God and let the Good Shepherd care for us.

How many of us have felt like the man dwelling in the tomb?  Feeling that God has abandoned us, left us alone in our suffering?  Yet, in faith, we know that Christ holds us close, heals and strengthens us, and has pity on us.  As Pope Francis has said, through the tears of suffering we an see clearer that God comforts and upholds those who suffer.  God places caretakers around us.  Let us remember that it is in the service of other people that God is able to heal us.