“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:7).  

 

The major theme for this 6th Sunday in Ordinary time focusing on our true happiness or beatitude lies in the awareness that we are all children of a loving God Heavenly Father. We will be happy only if we fulfill God’s will in our vocations and share our blessings with our brothers and sisters in need, and we work to uplift them, thus declaring our “option for the poor,” as Jesus did. Contrary to popular belief and values of this passing world, wealth, health, power and influence are not the source or guarantee of true happiness. God invites us to seek Him who alone is the true source and guarantee of authentic everlasting joy. 

 

The word “beatitude” means “blessedness.” Everyone wants to be blessed, for example: blessed in relationships, businesses, families, careers, etc.  We want to be blessed in life, death and eternity. The opposite of being blessed is being cursed, doomed, cut short—and nobody wants that. However, what does an authentic blessed life look like? 

 

Our Lord teaches us that true “blessed” must have two components: both (1) enjoying God’s favor and (2) enjoying true or supreme happiness with one’s neighbors. Jesus says that the greatest blessings or happiness aren’t found where we normally look, but in places we aren’t inclined to explore. Jesus’ way of happiness demands a transformation from within – a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit, focusing and trusting in God alone. The order of Jesus’ teaching on the beatitudes is in fact our roadmap to sainthood for it shows us how to make progress to achieve true happiness or blessed in our Christian life.       

 

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to seek and trust Him above all to serve God and God’s people to fulfil God’s will in our lives in order to be truly blessed and happy.

 

God call us to Eternal Life and Salvation. How can we help one another to respond to the challenge of the beatitudes in our life?    

 

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.