July is fast approaching when summer’s heat begins to wear down even the most dedicated of beach goers, sun lovers and spontaneous ball players. Life begins to feel sticky; nights get close; days get long and dry – and in Florida, very humid! Everything becomes a major effort; we slow down like rusty cogs on old wheels. Time seems suspended. Nothing much gets done. Day follows day with not much to show for any of them. Oh, yes, monastics know all about that kind of thing. Ancient monastics warn us to “beware the devil of the noonday sun.” Spiritual sloth they called it. Rather, keep up your practice of lectio and don’t let lazy summer weather slow down your response time to others’ needs nor the whirling storms cause lightning-fast thunderous boisterous uncharitable remarks.
Who is it that gets us through our down times? Who is it that gives us a boost “up” when life seems “blah”? Jesus takes all our burdens and gives us every good thing. In the end, we simply must confess, “Lord, my times are in your hands: my future, you’re my daily bread – you’ve carried it all and always will for me.” What are we left with? Comfort, confidence, joy…rest for our souls. Trust Jesus’ promise. Take his easy yoke, don’t fight it – trust. It is only when we wrestle with a yoke that it chafes our necks. Jesus says: “My yoke is easy; my burden is light. Learn from me – I am meek and humble of heart.”
The evangelist Matthew tells the story in his Gospel of the day Jesus offered us a bequest that gathered many of His lessons into one gift-wrapped package we call the BEATITUDES. The evangelist Luke, too, relates his version of that afternoon on the mountainside. Both men may have been there in the crowd on the hillside with Jesus but Matthew’s version contains more details. We know that Luke gleaned an insight into Jesus’ home life from Mary, Jesus’ mother. This particular day I know Matthew was there, hearing Jesus firsthand. He was seated right beside me. I can conjure up his image now. He wasn’t very agile so he kept squirming to find a comfortable position on the grassy slope.
LISTEN UP NOW! Jesus is getting ready to speak. Look around you. The Beatitudes that he’ll share are not some pie-in-the-sky sayings. What Jesus says reflects what He saw so often. He gives us a gift to unwrap and remember in our everyday life. “Blessed are they.”
Jesus spots a rich man and his wife who live very simply. Did you notice her peasant style dress? She got it at the Jerusalem Good Will store. This couple has a reputation for generosity. Raising his hand in blessing over the crowd, Jesus says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of God is theirs.”
See that family there that is mourning the death of their infant daughter? Hear Jesus when he says: “Blessed are the sorrowing, they shall be comforted.”
Turning to make eye contact with the family whose only child is in a wheelchair and has many special needs, Jesus says: “Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.”
Seeing some of John’s disciples, Jesus senses the people’s hunger for His words. But, the sun is high in the sky. Some have traveled far and Jesus knows they must be weary and hungry. But they wait with an air of expectancy to see if He will offer than a word. Jesus does not disappoint them as he says: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness, they shall have their fill.”
Oh, look over to your right. Do you see the older woman gently soothing a fretting infant so a young mother can rock her fretting toddler to sleep? Hear Jesus when he says: “Blessed are they who show mercy, mercy shall be theirs.”
Why is Jesus looking over there? He seems to be focusing on some who’ve lost interest in his sermon. He knows that they’ve heard this before in different ways. This time it might soak in if they’d just listen. He knows their deep desire to be always in his presence. He reminds them: “Blessed are the singe-hearted for they shall see God.”
Why is He smiling now? Oh, I see. It’s that young father rolling a yarn ball back and forth to his two young sons. A moment ago they were squabbling over the ball. Gently flicking the ball in the direction of each boy in turn seems to be a habit of his. And all the time Papa’s listening so intently to Jesus’ words. “Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.”
Jesus’ express changes. Mmmm. He’s looking at those church officials. The ones who have dared to follow him. They know they’re going to be the object of tomorrow’s gossip fest. Jesus speaks directly to them. “Blessed are those persecuted for holiness sake; the reign of God is theirs.”
Slowly scanning the entire crowd, Jesus goes on to say: “Blest are YOU when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Again, I remind you: You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its lampstand so it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in
heaven.”
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
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