Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Search "beatitudes" in the internet and you'll find this definition: a state of supreme happiness. I don't think that there is an event in our lives when we felt "supreme" or "utmost" happiness.  But Jesus tagged beatitudes to the meek and humble, the poor, sorrowing, and persecuted, and not to those who grew rich by luck or hard work, or to the powerful and influential. I think there is more more than outcasting the rich and the powerful and exulting the poor.  After all, who is the really rich and powerful in this world except those who are blessed in the sight of God. The beatitudes teach us a valuable lesson on choosing the real wealth, peace, and happiness.  For even in sorrowing, the Christian is consoled; even in pain the Christian feels peace.  Even in death, the Christian has life. Only God in Christ could give the Christian real and everlasting happiness.

The kingdom of God may be seen after our lives here on earth; but the kingdom of God resides in each of us right now. Our life stories could be the unfolding of the kingdom of God right here on earth.  If we make sure that our every decision would lead others to life and give glory to God, heaven would be right here on earth.

I believe the Lord doesn't ask us for anything less.  Because he has given everything of Himself, let it be upon us to give Him what He deserves - our whole lives. there is a saying that caught my attention of a priest who said, "Magis" taken from the Jesuits' "All for the greater glory of God".  It means more, be more, give more, use more.  "Lubos, buhos, ubos". Let it be the same for us in our devotion, love, and service to our Divine Lord.

I believe that far beyond any good work, moral living, or any accomplishment that is worthy in the sight of men are the words from the book of Hebrews 7:25-8:6: "Jesus is living for ever to intercede for all who come to God through him." Have we realized the implications of this sentence?  It is Jesus, only Jesus throughout our lives.  Jesus who is the cause of all life; Jesus who is living forever to intercede for all who come to God through him.  It is only through Jesus that we can come to the Father.  It is only through Jesus that life can be possible.  It is only through Jesus. In today's world where people are dreaming of a better life, of wanting to earn more, to be more, to have more,  it is only through Jesus that all these can be possible and much more besides.  Because if we possess the very heart of Christ, none of these would be as important that what is to come - the gift of Jesus himself and his everlasting love. If we still yearn ...

God gives a hundredfold for those who do His will. Let's just persevere because God's love is overwhelming. What happened to us?  Why did we turn negative or pessimistic?  The pharisees here become symbolic of those who do not want to see the success of others or blessings abound. The question in all of our decisions is "Who is ending up fruitful?"  When we focus on our self-interests, we are fruitful only to ourselves, but empty to others. Every decision reaches horizontally, vertically, and now in front and at the back of us.  Every small decision affects all others, the littlest of children; our decision affects the past and the future till the next generations.  That is our accountability before God - unlimited time, space, and eternity.