This Sunday’s gospel contains what we call the Beatitudes, or the core of Christian attitudes. It contains a way for Christian living, how to be blessed or happy, not so much in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God.

For instance, to be poor in spirit has nothing to do with living in poverty, or without the basic means for normal living. It means our inner self is not in bondage to wealth, to greed, or to material things of any kind. We can have lots of money and still be poor in spirit by living simply, helping others generously and recognizing the need for God every day.

Second, the hunger that Jesus speaks of has nothing to do with food. It has to do with the hunger for freedom, for justice, for equal rights. There is a greater hunger than the lack of food. The deepest hungers in the human heart have to do with belonging, self-worth, dignity, and personal freedom.

Third, those who weep are those who love. Grief is the price we pay for love. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and wept at the tomb of Lazarus. These were not tears of despair. They were tears of love, of loss and of longing. They can also be deep sorrow over sin and repentance from our sins. The freedom found in forgiveness of sin and the joy of eternal salvation is the "comfort" of those who repent.

Fourth, just as Jesus faced persecution and insult, so will his followers. Those who devote their life to God and follow His commands faithfully, expect for people who may challenge and hate you because they may not like what you firmly believe and stand. But as you remain strong and persevere to the end, Jesus said, “Your reward will be great in heaven”. So we just need to continue doing what God calls us to do and God will be there to bless and guide us.

Last Saturday we welcomed our new members through a dinner, hosted by our Pastoral Council. We had sixteen new families who joined our parish this past year. They are:

Ms. Lisa Balash                Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hohman
Mrs. Mary Jo Snyder        Mr. & Mrs. Robert Palmiter
Mr. Frank Gajdosik           Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Scott
Ms. Lori Defilippi               Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Hyatt
Mrs. Kristen Stone            Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Heasley
Mrs. Gerry Clark               Mr. & Mrs. Robert Speer
Mrs. Isadora Walker         Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Steiner 
Ms. Patricia Waldeck        Ms. Kristen Watt