In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus’ teaching known as the Beatitudes - what it means to be really happy or blessed. Imagine the scene as Jesus speaks – he is looking down over the Sea of Galilee, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Imagine how the calm, clear waters of the lake reflect the beauty of the sky above. This is a picture of Jesus’ mission – to make our lives on earth reflect the kingdom of heaven.

In his teaching Jesus explains how we can do this. Happiness does not depend on the outward events and experiences of our lives – if we win or lose the lottery or have the best/worst job – but on taking on the attitudes and behaviour which Jesus describes in the Beatitudes. Real joy is completely independent of all the chances and changes of life, the things which life may give or take away. We are to draw our strength from the unchanging depths of the sea and not from the ever- shifting storms on the surface. In this Jesus is turning upside down the logic of the world – he speaks of happiness in terms of being poor in spirit, hungering for justice, being close to those who mourn, having the humility to be the first to forgive/ show mercy, risking persecution and abuse for standing up for what is right. It doesn’t sound like our normal route to happiness! But Jesus will show each and every one of these ‘beatitudes’ in his own life on the journey ahead which will lead firstly to the cross but ultimately to the resurrection. He will reconcile heaven & earth, bring true liberation from sin and death for humanity - all this by himself following this radical path of the beatitudes.

Finally, have a look again at the portraits of the saints at the back of the church and you’ll see that amongst their images we have put the words of the Beatitudes. Simply because each of these saints reached the happiness and joy of heaven by living out in their own life at least one of the Beatitudes. We are called to follow in their footsteps…

With blessings & prayers from Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & all the parish team
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