My Dream Religious Ed Program
Longing for a Joy-filled Church?
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“He began to teach them”…to get over themselves!
What makes someone a saint?
They will the ONE thing: God's will.
When we think of saints, we tend to conjure up their “holy card” image, with their serene countenances and flowers or liturgical accoutrement in hand.
In real life, saints are much more interesting. Strange, even. Completely unique in their interests, individual in their callings, and fiercely passionate about their Mission. What do they hold in common? When they walked this earth, their lives were NOT about them, and hence they experienced deep, lasting joy. They were NOT perfect, but they forgave when it was impossible; served when they didn’t feel like serving; and ministered to those everyone else kicked to the curb. Why? What inspired them to embrace this radical way?
This weekend's Gospel reading for the celebration of All Saints' Day contains a handy little summary of the body of Jesus’ teachings: the Beatitudes. During this discourse, Jesus responds to the deep human longing for authentic happiness and in the process manages to flip all of our meager human expectations upside down. The world looks to wealth and notoriety for happiness, but Jesus implies, “No, actually, only a sincere gift of self will bring you joy.”
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Yes, these teachings are counterintuitive, and yet embracing them will bear a strange and wonderful fruit; you and I will begin to will the ONE thing. We will transition from being consumers of Christianity to saints with a Mission. Suddenly, our lives will no longer be about us, our ideas, our preferences, our comfort, our needs—but about Jesus Christ and the salvation of souls. Godspeed, folks, and Happy Feast Day!
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About the Author
Jennifer Edwards studied Biblical Theology at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology, Seton Hall University. She has developed and facilitated a number of programs and materials for the advancement of the New Evangelization, including Bible Studies, Retreats, Family Outreaches, and Children's, Teen and Adult Faith Formation curriculums. She has also managed Music, Liturgical, and Faith Formation programs at various parishes. She is currently a freelance writer, speaker, and pastoral consultant, who is blessed to be able to work from home in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York as she raises four children with her husband of 15 years. For information, please contact Jennifer at: mybroomtree@gmail.com.
