Today:  Jesus proclaims blessings for those in need – those deprived of basic support.  Jesus proclaims blessings for those who share sustenance and support with those marginalized.

And then, a ninth beatitude: “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.  Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I am called to stand with Jesus, to admit within my heart the need to be conscious of where the Spirit leads, exposing the social and political extremes of the world.  The world divides us as “right-wing” or “left-wing” people, thus maintaining the status quo.

When confronted by a righteous crowd bringing a woman caught in adultery, Jesus confronts both sides:  To the crowd of authority, Jesus implies, “If you want to be considered righteous, be sinless;” to the woman, he suggests, “Take the initiative to change your life.”

Living the Eucharist encourages us to be proactive, to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  We witness the Father’s compassion for the world, which requires attitude changes on both sides, embracing a life of compassion instead of control and dominance.  Being led by the Spirit is life-changing.

Eating takes nourishment, which our body absorbs, changing and charging our body to perform necessary functions.  We become what we eat: Christ in the Eucharist, good news for each other.  Confront what the world offers.  Receive Communion.  Stand up and choose Jesus’ life, and we embrace the intent of God’s will: peace.

How many times have I heard this?  Is this beatitude being overlooked in my life?

Let us pray:

Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.