LIFE IS ALL GRACE AND NOTHING MORE
It is all grace and nothing more: Christianity and the Christian life we live as priests, ministers, and members of the Church. The Christian life is an amazing grace that saves us all from our wretchedness. Concretely, a happy or blessed Christian life amidst difficulties and problems is the most profound practical way to live a godly or spiritual life.
So, Christ’s declaration of happiness or blessedness on those the world considers to be miserable. It is a call that challenged us and our sense of true values. It is also revolutionary teaching that challenges our core sense of being as Christians or followers of Christ.
OUR THEME
Today’s readings invite us to be the blessed ones who wait and count God´s blessings and not the fortunate or privileged who rely on the security or system of the world for their safety. This solid attitude of trust in God while facing difficulties or hardship as a Christian turns the meaning and value of our lives and existence upside down.
Therefore, today’s readings define our Christian goal of eternal happiness and explain the attitudes and actions necessary to reach it.
FIRST READING: ZEPHANIAH 2:3, 3:12-13
The Prophet Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 recounts that God´s salvation, assurance and security are always present to the poor and humble of life who rely on his Presence, Justice and Commandments.
Zephaniah prophesied in Jerusalem during a time when many in that city were faithless and corrupt. Most of the book of the prophet Zephaniah is about the terrible Day (“The Day of the Lord”) when the Lord will wreak vengeance upon idolaters and the unfaithful.
But this passage describes a “remnant,” a humble and just minority, who will receive, not vengeance, but security.
Both Jesus and Zephaniah address this remnant, or “moral minority.” They want their listeners not to choose the path of arrogance, not even to pine for power, but to “seek justice … seek humility, do no wrong, speak no lies (Zephaniah), and to “thirst for righteousness, be merciful, be peace-makers” (Jesus).
SECOND READING: 1CORINTHIANS 1:26-31
St. Paul drives home the central theme of Christian life: THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD, who chooses the nobodies, the weak, and the ignorant to be grated in Christ Jesus to the honour and glory of God. 1Cor. 1:26-31.
Two things about the situation in Corinth made it necessary for Paul to remind the Christians there of their humble station and his own humble apostolic status:
1) Corinth was a Greek metropolis with philosophers placing a high premium on knowledge and sophistication.
2) The Christians there enjoyed an abundance of what are called charisms, or spiritual gifts including some extraordinary powers like healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues. That is to live a life dependent on God’s gift of grace that is unmerited.
Therefore, Paul advised these Christians to use their gifts as heaven-sent blessings for the good of the community, not just for their aggrandizement. Equally, he reminded them of the contrast between Christ’s values and the world’s values.
THE GOSPEL: MATTHEW 5:1-12
The Beatitudes are the basic Christian ideals, not a moral code or a set of rules to avoid God’s punishment. They aim to raise our perspective above the constraints of self-interest and gain. The spirit of the Kingdom is one of the Beatitudes: poor in spirit, empathy, humility, zeal for righteousness, mercy, and peace.
They are also for the purest of intentions of the heart and spiritual comfort or consolation amidst persecutions, dislikes, ill-treatments, hate and rejection for the sake of Christ and his values of truth, justice and goodness.
Hence, the late Fr. Ernest Munachi CSSp gave us an excellent comparison of Jesus´ standard in Matthew´s gospel 5:1-12 and the world standard.
Where Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit” they would say “Blessed are the rich.”
Where Jesus says “Blessed are those who mourn” they would say “Blessed are those having fun.” Where Jesus says “Blessed are the meek” they would say “Blessed are smart.”
Where Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” they would say “Blessed are those who wine and dine.”
Where Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful” they would say “Blessed are powerful.”
Where Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart” they would say “Blessed are slim in the body.”
Where Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers” they would say “Blessed are the newsmakers.”
And where Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” they would say “Blessed are those who can afford the best lawyers.”
THE BLESSEDNESS OF CHRIST
The blessedness or beatitudes form the outline for Christ-like living, noting the personal qualities expected of a disciple of Jesus and pointing out the way of life to be lived by a disciple.
They show us the values that Christ cares about. In essence, the Beatitudes both fulfil and complete the Ten Commandments which stress the “Thou shalt not.”
But Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, as the virtues in life which will ultimately lead to the rewards of salvation – not in this world, but in the next.
SOMETHING ABOUT THE BEATITUDES OF JESUS CHRIST
There is a cleansing power in the beatitudes. They are about letting go of things that are not life-giving, and about becoming truly free. They offer guidelines for living, for inner peace and happiness. Formal religion can be too tied to rules and regulations and be authoritarian. Spirituality is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is about letting go, to being free in God’s sight.
THE FUNDAMENTAL CHALLENGE OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
Jesus warns those who follow him will be treated as he was. There is a cost in Pentecost, and following him means sharing his cross. Right from the beginning when Simeon saw him in the temple, he said that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction. Everything he said and did was a challenge to this world’s values. Those with power, prestige, and control felt undermined by his message. The religious leaders who were the arbiters of right and wrong were so threatened by him that they planned his death.
OUR PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, how hard it is to live out the blessedness of the Kingdom without the GRACE from you. May your Holy Spirit help us live out these blessed promises and reap their rewards in our lives on earth and beyond in heaven. Amen
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