The Deeper Meaning Behind What God Called Me to Give Up for Lent
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Today we hear the familiar Beatitudes in the Gospel. We hear that blessed are the poor in spirit, the mourning, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake - for their reward shall be great in heaven.
As faithful people, we should be all of those things – or at the very least, some of those things.
Do you fit into any of these? Do you see yourself in any of the Beatitudes? Are you among the poor in spirit? Are you the grieving one? Are you the one thirsting for justice and righteousness? Are you the pure one? Are you the peacekeeper? Are you the one who keeps getting persecuted for witnessing and living your faith out loud?
If you do, then rejoice, for your reward will be great in heaven. You will be blessed in the life to come.
Or do you not see yourself in any of these Beatitudes? Because if so, that also says something. Maybe you’re blessed by the world’s standards, but not by God’s.
In this life, we hear of blessings mostly by what we are given, not the Godly and Jesus-like qualities we exude. We see social media posts boasting of what blessings God has given those around us. This is how we count blessings… our homes, our families, our careers, our education, our travels, our friendships, our experiences, and the many gifts and goods God has given us. “How blessed am I,” we say!
But God sees blessing very differently as He shows us today. Blessed are those who are the qualities we see outlined in the Gospel. We are blessed by how Godly and like Jesus we show up to be, not by what we are given, and we await our reward not in this life, but in heaven someday.
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
