“Blessed are the poor…” Lk 6:20
As He often does, Jesus turns worldly logic upside down in today’s readings. Those who suffer poverty, hunger, grief, sorrow, and rejection are called blessed, while those who rich, happy, and highly regarded are warned that they have sorrow in their future, having already received earthly rewards. It may seem that Jesus wants His followers to suffer, but what He truly desires is to bring us greater happiness than the world can give – the never-ending joy of heaven. When we are united with Him in His suffering, we can someday be united with Him in eternity.
Christian beliefs make no sense without the Resurrection. As St. Paul tells us, “…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain… If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.” But since Christ has been raised from the dead, we have been given the hope of eternal happiness. Our lives here are a preparation for something far better than we could even imagine.
Every step we take with Jesus on the Way of the Cross leads us closer to the glory He desires for us. Our sufferings, united with His, have the power to lift up the whole world, drawing every person on earth closer to the heart of our Savior.
The saints give witness to this truth. Many great saints have lived lives of suffering and poverty, unknown, maligned, and rejected. On February 11th, we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. St. Bernadette, the visionary from Lourdes, was a poor, sick child, who suffered humiliation because of her visions. Our Lady is said to have told her, “I cannot promise you happiness in this life; only in the next.” After a short life of suffering, Bernadette died a painful death at the age of 36. Yet the Lord left evidence of the promise He gave to His beloved saint. Years after her death, her body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt; as fresh and beautiful as if she was living still.
Little signs of the truth of the Resurrection abound for those who believe. No matter what, trust in the Lord to bring you through times of suffering in your life, for you also are His Beloved.
The Incorrupt Body of St. Bernadette of Lourdes
Never, France - November 22, 1999 - Photo by Marina Genger via Wiki Commons
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:26-28
For more about the life of St. Bernadette and Lourdes:
For more about the life of St. Bernadette and Lourdes:
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