A Message From Fr. Robert

This Sunday, we read from Luke’s Gospel and find Jesus teaching a great

crowd. Jesus uses the words of the Beatitudes, encouraging his followers to

look at their lives in a new way - through the light of faith.

The Source of True Happiness

The word “beatitude” comes from the Latin word meaning “happy.”

Everybody wants to be happy, but we often chase after happiness in ways

that leave us unfulfilled and unhappy. Who is the only source of true and

lasting happiness? God. We may not realize it, but happiness is closely

related to holiness. To be holy is to be close to God.

The Light of the Gospel

As we strive for holiness every day, we catch glimpses of the perfect

happiness of beholding God face-to-face. Our life on earth can be joyful if

we see everything in the light of the Gospel. For example, our failures can be

opportunities for new beginnings. Our sufferings can purify and strengthen

us to make us more fruitful.

Changing our Mindset & Behavior

The Beatitudes encourage us to look at negative things as blessings in

disguise. Jesus said, Blessed are the poor, the hungry, the sorrowing, and the

persecuted. On the other hand, things that we consider good and desirable

could be dangerous and harmful for our souls. Jesus said, Woe to you who

are rich; woe to you who are filled now, who laugh now, and who are being

praised.

The Lesson of the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes teach us that happiness does not come from worldly pursuits

and sinful, selfish behavior. Instead, true happiness and blessings come from

being merciful, humble, virtuous, and peace-loving people.



The Path to Holiness

In a couple of weeks, we will enter the Season of Lent. Lent reminds us of

God’s call to repentance, conversion, and holiness. God wants us to be

happy, and we find that happiness by becoming holy. The path to holiness is

to faithfully follow God’s commands and teachings and imitate the example

of Jesus, His Son. May God bless you!