It's Hot Out There
Blessings
Photo By: Flickr/ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER
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 (Matthew 5:3-12).
Such simple words, but words that can change a world. Blessings is a concept unfamiliar with time and space, it is not of this world. We say we give our blessing, but it is truly only God that can bless. He alone has the power to give us that solitude.
When we come to the Lord in silent prayer, we are lifting up our hearts to Him and asking Him to hear our plea, for a loved one ill or dying, for a happy marriage, for your child or family member in distress or for ourselves.
It is amazing to me that when we dedicate our lives to Him, lifting our prayers in perpetual adoration, the multitude of blessings that seem to come our way. Perhaps it is the simple nature of being together that makes this possible. Or could it be that God is saying to us that we matter, the people around us matter, that life matters.
It is a concept many shy away from but it is a concept worth fighting for. Come and adore Him, born the King of Israel. Are these just empty words or are they something we practice, each & every day? He is waiting for us to take the first step.
Start with a modest act, pray for someone to pray for you. Each and every day, members of our parish pray for us in silent reflection. Could we not do the same for them?
Remember, we are the light of the world - may our light shine before all - that they may see the good that we do, and give glory to God. May He bless you and keep you, forever.
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About the Author
I discovered through a lot of prayer that I have a real gift for the written word. I am a 4th degree member for the Knights of Columbus, Saint Jude Chapter in Gahanna, Ohio. I have been writing monthly articles for the Catholic Times in Columbus for the past four years. I come from a large family of ten and am very much involved in service to the community. I help out in my own parish at Saint Matthews. I volunteer for the Special Olympics at Ohio State University, work at a homeless picnic each year in Goodale Park as a part of “Make a Difference Day” and help with the fundraising and ministry efforts as a member of the Knights of Columbus. I enjoy most activities but being with family and friends ranks high on that list. I am a strong advocate for helping those less fortunate and have faith with the knowledge that God is with us all. On the lighter side, I drink coffee and lots of it, which would explain my tendency to ramble on at times. I also have a green thumb. My neighbor used to say that I could plant a Popsicle stick and it would flower. Where is that miracle when I need it?
I post my thoughts on-line at - www.thomspirit.wordpress.com - and can be reached on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Linkedin @www.linkedin.com/in.josephthomas62
Blog @http://truegiftoffaith.blogspot.com
