the beatitudes

Fr: Excerpted from newsletter@catholicexchange.com (2008 Feb 2).
"Worrying Won't Get You Where You Want to Go." [Homily of the Day]

Sunday's Gospel, the eight beatitudes, is Jesus's response to us weary, wounded folks who are such easy prey to fear and worry. "Congratulations," He says -- eight times. That's what all those "blesseds" mean.

"I congratulate you NOT because you're poor, sad, lowly, or persecuted, but because, in spite of that, God our Father cherishes you, walks with you, and will not let you be destroyed by any of that -- no matter what.Congratulations!

"I congratulate you further," says Jesus, "Not just because you're striving to be good, striving to be compassionate and faithful.I congratulate you because God our Father sees your striving, and will bless your efforts in His own way and in His own time -- if only you'll be patient.Congratulations!" Jesus says -- eight times.