P overty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit.

Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures”

Memorial of St. Peter Claver, S.J. (U.S.)

Colossians 3:1-11

Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab

L uke 6:20-26 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (21) "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. (22) "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! (23) Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (24) "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. (25) "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. (26) "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

Meditation by Don Schwager

W hen you encounter misfortune, grief, or tragic loss, how do you respond? With fear or faith? With passive resignation or with patient hope and trust in God? We know from experience that no one can escape all of the inevitable trials of life – pain, suffering, sickness, and death. When Jesus began to teach his disciples he gave them a "way of happiness" that transcends every difficulty and trouble that can weigh us down with grief and despair. Jesus began his sermon on the mount by addressing the issue of where true happiness can be found. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus' way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within – a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit.

How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: "No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?

"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will."

Supplementary Reading

IN GooD TImES AND IN BAD

Lord, have pity on my son. – Matthew 17:15

T he parents took Lance to several doctors, yet the baby was often sick. He got worse and was confined to the hospital. It took several days before the correct diagnosis was finally found. The parents could only watch helplessly as their child suffered and cried from the needles and tests.

It was during that time that my friend, Lance’s father, turned to God and surrendered the situation. Surprisingly, he admitted that it was the highest point of his relationship with God. He was crying out for his son and could only place his faith in the Divine Healer. God heeded his petition and healed Lance. Should we wait for a great problem to come to experience powerful and deep conversations with God? Can’t we reach greater heights in our faith without going through a crisis?

Our journey to holiness need not be riddled with life and death situations in order to know God in a personal way. Whatever season we are in, we should strive to get closer to God, to increase our faith and love Him more through our neighbor. Jun Asis

REFLECTION:

Do I call on the Lord only in times of trouble? Have I acknowledged God during the happy times?

May I come to You at all times, Lord, not only when I think I have no options left.