Who is blessed?

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
Image of blessedness—one marked by humility and spiritual hunger
Reflection Date: November 1, 2024 Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time 
Solemnity of All Saints
Daily Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

Have you ever told someone that he is ‘blessed’? Was it because you see abundance in his life? Was it because he is successful?

Today’s Gospel paints to us different images of someone who is blessed – definitely nothing that speaks of material abundance, convenience, fame or power. Rather, a blessed person is poor in spirit; he mourns and is meek, hungry and thirsty. A blessed person is persecuted.

All these are reflective of the lives of the saints. They gave up their own conveniences, material abundance and ego so Christ can fill their life with spiritual blessings that kept them strong amidst persecutions, at peace despite troubles and insults, and joyful despite sorrows and pains. 

Call to Action for Catholic Living:  How about us? Today, we are being reminded and called to live the beatitudes if we were to inherit heaven. As children of God, our call is to live a life of blessedness, always longing to see God’s face. We are all saints in the making.