Q: When Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” what did he mean?
a) You should embrace poverty as a route to the Kingdom.
b) Share your possessions, recognizing all possessions belong to God, and we are just stewards
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I am not going to give you the answer, rather I will help you to recognize the discernment the Holy Spirit has given you.
The Call to Generosity and Discernment
Consider this: “If someone asks you for your coat, give the person what you’re wearing underneath.” How about when we do not have a coat to give in the first place? Jesus’ teachings challenge us to think deeper. “Blessed are we when we’re hungry now, for we will be filled” and the beatitudes in Matthew differ from Luke’s account, highlighting the diversity in interpreting these teachings. The essence lies in discernment.
Discernment, as Daniel once prayed for, is crucial. Daniel sought wisdom to understand the dreams that troubled him. As Christians, our ability to discern the workings of the Holy Spirit is vital. We need this discernment for our interactions, whether with our neighbors or our adversaries.
Facing Challenges with the Spirit’s Guidance
There are instances when the teachings seem daunting. Even the disciples voiced their difficulty with such teachings, yet we are endowed with the spirit of understanding and discernment. These are the tools God has bestowed upon us, crafted in His image with memory, reason, and skill guiding our path.
Living as Modern-Day Saints
Today, as we talk about saints, it is essential to appreciate those who have gone before us—Peter, James, John, the saints we’ve learned about. But sainthood isn’t just in the past or reserved for the beatified. My mother, for instance, embodied saintly qualities. Despite living among various families, she ensured every child was fed, exemplifying true selflessness and dedication.
Our inheritance from the ancient Christians includes the spirit to persevere through insults and persecutions. If faced with adversity, Jesus’ advice was to endure or move on, yet to never forsake the mission of preaching and embodying His teachings.
Our Spiritual Heritage
Brothers and sisters, sainthood is not exclusive. We are saints by the spirit passed down to us. The Lord’s gifts are ours to cherish and nurture. They cannot be taken away except by the Lord Himself. We stand on the shoulders of those who walked before us, endowed with their spirit.
Conclusion: A Prayer for Perseverance
I pray that God grants us the fortitude to walk in the footprints of these saints, enduring every trial as they did. May we persevere and, on the last day, be raised with them to enjoy the kingdom of God.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Amen.