Gospel Reflection- November 1st, 2020

Jesus was a faithful Jew. An often looked over fact when breaking down our savior’s actions and words during his public ministry on earth. Although affirming his role as the new Moses, Christ does not seek to undermine the great prophet and the original law in today’s Gospel.

We must look at the Old Testament as a story seeking it’s climax, it’s revelation, it’s turning point, which was fulfilled by Christ, it was the foundation for the cornerstone. Christ comes to bring it into new life. Moses went up the mountain and came down with the law, Jesus went up the mountain and stayed because he was the law.

Makarios is the Greek translation of blessed, but can often be used as an adjective for happy or lucky. So with this new lens, the teachings of Jesus can come into a new light.

“Blessed are those who mourn…” Happy are those who mourn because they are lucky enough to not be dependent on happiness alone, those who follow Christ  know it can come with suffering and hard times to see God’s plan come to fulfillment. They will be comforted when their suffering reunites them with God.

“Blessed are the meek…” Happy are the people who don’t fall into the seductive trap of power for they will inherit an even greater reward in Heaven. Moses didn’t think he was capable of being a leader, Jonah didn’t want to go and preach, Joseph didn’t want to be with Mary. All these great holy men inherited a great reward because they weren’t driven by worldly power.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” How happy and lucky are you if you don’t seek the approval of others and go against what the world wants in order to stand by the truth for you will be rewarded in Heaven.

In the turmoil we find ourselves in, it may be easy to forget the truth with so many opinions being thrown around and voices in your ear telling you why they are right and everyone else is wrong. People will try and smother the truth for political gain because they desire the power and glory.

God has been put on the back burner because people want to be accepted and God is on the back burner. Worldly concerns have infatuated Americans into thinking we don’t need God. I want everyone to let these words of Christ ring in your ears as we all navigate the storm because Christ is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. 

Defend your faith, not the time we are all borrowing.

God Bless,
​Jonathan