St James Catholic Church

Just last week we heard Jesus call Peter, James, and John, telling them they would be fishing for other disciples, not for fish.  They left everything behind to follow him.  Today we hear Jesus make a different kind of call for transformation.  Jesus did not want those who are prosperous and content to be comfortable and satisfied with their condition.  He uses the word “woe,” a warning to be aware, if this shoe fits us.  Misery is sure to come.  Jesus makes it clear that God blesses those who are hurting.  We would be wise to transform out of our complacency, for God’s blessings are stronger than whatever we gain in this world.

Luke often stresses how important it was for Jesus to speak to the Father, to spend time with him in prayer.  The night before teaching the Beatitudes he went up a mountain to pray.  That morning he gathered his disciples and chose the twelve whom he called his apostles.  After this they all came down the mountain and Jesus preached to all his disciples and crowds from around Judea and even outside of Palestine.  His words were directed toward Jews and Gentiles alike.  But perhaps the final beatitude, the one describing that they would be hated, excluded, and insulted, was a way to assure them that God remained always on their side.  As the ten commands were the sign of God’s people living the covenant, so now the Beatitudes would be the sign of people living the new covenant.

Our prayer and hope is that we will be counted among those whom God calls “blessed.”

Love, Peace, Joy,

-Fr. Bob

Today is World Marriage Day.  I suppose it’s observed now because Monday, February 14th, is Valentine’s Day.  Let us express our love and gratitude to all those significant relatives, friends, and neighbors who are so important in our lives.