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During the last week of January we recognize Catholic education in all forms during Catholic Schools week and in particular our Sacred Heart School. With the opportunity to pray, share faith, discuss elements of our Catholic traditions, and share in the Eucharist and other Sacraments, students and families benefit from the emphasis on our spiritual path in life while emphasizing character and academics. Thank you to the staff, the parents, volunteers and parishioners who support our Sacred Heart School, and students, parents, parishioners, volunteers who participate and support our Religious Education programs at St. Malachy, St. John and Sacred Heart. All such efforts involve faith, hope and sacrifice on the part of families and staff and volunteers alike. Of the many lessons and teachings of Christ Jesus that are imparted upon students who receive Catholic education, the Beatitudes would provide the foundation of their faith (and ours), imparting the backbone of our Christian identity in the world around us. We are grateful for the freedom and opportunity to prepare our children and teenagers with lessons of Christ Jesus as the guidepost for their future.
Bishop Don Kettler of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota offered his ‘examination’ based on the Beatitudes of Matthew’s Gospel. I have had the blessing of meeting Bishop Kettler at a priest’s jubilee Mass. He was gracious, and humble in his attitude towards those of us on the altar and desired no special seat or place of honor in the sanctuary during the Mass. Reflecting the beatitudes in his ministry, the following guide he offers is sincere.
“Living according to the Beatitudes. . . .there will be challenges — sometimes very difficult ones — along the way. We will need God’s grace and a healthy dose of self-discipline to do it. Pope Francis calls them ‘a Christian’s identity card.’
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God: The path to holiness requires focusing less on wealth and material things and giving more time and attention to the most important things in life — God, our families and the needs of others, especially the poor. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth: Are we humble? Are we patient with the faults and limitations of others?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted: Do we show compassion (from the Latin word meaning to “suffer with”) to people we encounter who are experiencing illness or sorrow? Do we pray for them and offer our assistance?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled: Do we desire and work for justice on behalf of society’s most vulnerable people — the unborn, the immigrant, the marginalized and the abandoned? Are we good stewards of the Earth?
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy: Do we truly do to others as we would have them do to us — forgiving them for wrongs they have committed against us, and seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God: Holiness requires cultivating a heart in love with God and our neighbor. Do we reject cynicism and allow truth and charity to guide our thoughts and actions?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God: Do we sow peace in our relationships, steer clear of gossip, and treat everyone with respect?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: Sometimes being a Christian requires us to be counter-cultural, to make the right choice, not necessarily the popular choice. Are we willing to endure opposition and even ridicule because of our faith?”
With the Presentation of the Lord Feast Day falling in the middle of this week, and that of St. Blaise, we will offer Bless Candles at all the Masses next weekend. And to, before and after each Mass we will offer the Blessing of Throats at all Masses. Traditions are sometimes forgotten in our busy life, yet the blessing of throats remains one of the most unique invocations offered to individuals regardless of age dating back centuries and linked to St. Blaise’ healing of a child who was choking. Whenever such blessings are imparted, we are better off participating and receiving such grace for the benefit of our faith we take into the world around us.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “The Beatitudes are no spiritual ‘to do list’ to be attempted by eager, rule-keeping disciples. It is the spiritual ‘done list’ of the qualities God brings to bear in the people who follow Jesus.” (Ronnie McBrayer)
