[ Today's Readings ]
It is hard to think like Jesus.
Blessed are you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
It is hard to keep our eyes on the prize. But we are called to "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (see Colossians 3:1), "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" (see Hebrews 12:2). We are called to strive for it like Paul "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead" (see Philippians 3:13). We are reminded that we are in fact running for a prize, an imperishable wreath of glory, "So run that you may obtain it" (see First Corinthians 9:24).
It can actually be helpful when other potential prizes betray us. Riches, abundance of good, comfort, joy, and being well-regarded by others. These are good things. But they are not the prize. When they fail us we remember to seek the things which last forever.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets
in the same way.
This is a reminder to not seek more consolations now than the world is designed to give. It is also a strategy for accepting the difficult things we encounter in this life as blessings. As Saint Teresa of Calcutta is reputed to have said, there are no problems, just blessings and unusual blessings. When we remember this we are more able to use "the world as not using it fully." We experience first hand that "the world in its present form is passing away." This should not distress us. We are preparing to leap for joy.
They are borne in with gladness and joy;
they enter the palace of the king.
The place of your fathers your sons shall have;
you shall make them princes through all the land.
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