Perhaps it wasn’t only our generation that bought into the lie that blessedness means material wealth and the absence of suffering? Jeremiah, the Psalmist and Jesus all go to considerable lengths to remind us the experience of blessing may coexist with poverty, pain, rejection, misunderstanding or longing. They even go so far as to suggest there is blessing in these uncomfortable and undesirable realities. Any time we catch ourselves thinking God has abandoned us because we are in pain, we have an invitation to return to the Beatitudes for an attitude adjustment. The woes Jesus speaks are not a curse but rather a warning. When we place our trust in material comfort, we build a house on shifting sand. We risk losing our faith in God, humanity and the world if we build a life on the false security of wealth, full bellies, or the constant expectation for happiness. Blessing is available in all seasons and experiences; we can put our faith in God’s promises.
Prayer of the Faithful: For the strength to receive God’s blessing in our suffering as well as in our joy, we pray to the Lord. (taken from Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary Facebook page)
