.

TODAY’S WORD…

.

Jesus said,

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.”

.

– Luke 6:20 (NLT)

.

.

.

REFLECTION…

.

This is the first beatitude expressed by Jesus,

as He addressed the issue of where true happiness is found.

The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness.

.

Jesus’ way of happiness,

demands a transformation from within

– a conversion of heart and mind

which can only come about through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

.

How can one possibly find happiness in poverty?

.

If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven,

then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts.

.

Jesus promises that the joys of heaven

will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships we can expect in this world.

.

God will bless and grant happiness

to those who recognise Him as the greatest treasure possible

and who yearn for Him alone,

in spite of their worldly possessions, or the lack of them.

.

God will bless and grant happiness

to those who are poor “in spirit”

and who humbly acknowledge and confess their moral imperfections

and constantly feel a great longing and need for the Lord.

.

.

.

PRAYER…

.

Lord, increase my yearning for You

and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace.

.

May I desire You above all else

and find perfect joy in doing Your will.

.

I need You, Lord.

Without You I am nothing,

and my soul yearns for You.

.

Fill me,

fill my heart with Your love,

and grant that I will gladly and generously

give of this same love to everyone.

.

Amen.

.

.

.

REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

.

Lord, increase my yearning for You.

.

.

.

YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

.

The Kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly,

which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts.

.

Jesus is sent to “preach good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18);

He declares them blessed, for “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

To them – the “little ones” –

the Father is pleased to reveal what remains hidden from the wise and the learned.

.

Jesus shares the life of the poor, from the cradle to the cross;

He experiences hunger, thirst and privation.

Jesus identifies Himself with the poor of every kind,

and makes active love toward them

the condition for entering His Kingdom.

.

[CCC 544]

.

.

.