Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are
those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the
land. Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. Fortunate are those with pure hearts, for
they shall see God. Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children of
God.
Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.
Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against
you because you are my followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God.
Reflect:
A question a religious sometimes encounter is: “How many members are there in your
Congregation?” One of my companions has a ready-made answer: “7,000+ members.” If the
answer surprised the one who asked, who might, therefore, wear an incredulous look, my
friend would explain: “Yes, we are 7,000+. There are around 4,000 in heaven, and 3,000 here
on earth.” And, that is the truth! We must necessarily count every one of the souls gone before
us, be they members of our biological or religious families or faith communities. They continue
to live and relate to us; they go on exercising their ministry of intercession for us. The solemnity
of the Communion of Saints reminds us that we belong to a very large family, part of whom
are in heaven and continue to be members of the living Body of Christ. If we profess so in our
Creed, we must make it a reality we relate to, in our daily life as well.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022