True happiness comes from the suffering

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: 'Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God '." Today's Gospel reading (Luke 6:20-26) presents the Beatitudes. Today's message is quite clear, those that suffer on earth will be rewarded in the Kingdom of God . If you are poor on earth, you will be rich in heaven. If you had a sad life on earth, you will have a very happy life in heaven. We will all suffer and experience some degree of pain, suffering, sickness, and even death. Some people appear to be burdened with pain and suffering. At times we may think that a dark cloud is just sitting over our head. So why must we suffer? Why must people be homeless? Why does God allow us to suffer? We are called to have faith in God and offer this suffering to him. This offering transcends earthly happiness and allows us to reach a spiritual happiness. We see pictures of people who absolutely nothing, yet they laugh and have fun. Why are they not sad? The word Beatitude literally means happiness. True happiness comes from the suffering. Are you really happy if you are given everything? Do we not get bored with material things to only want more? Then we become bored with this stuff and want even more. Is that really happiness? How long does that brand new IPod keep you happy? True happiness is found in the Beatitudes. This message is really trying telling us that the poor are not held captive to material things and therefore see the things that bring true happiness. They can see the Kingdom of God because their site is not blinded by greed for earthly materials. To find true happiness in heaven, we will need to empty our lives of those things that prevent us from seeing God. This is why during Lent that we are asked to participate in Fasting, Praying and Almsgiving. During this time, we separate ourselves from the earthly things and allow our souls to unite with God in Heaven. We are called to live Lent year round, not just during the Lenten season.

A Simple Prayer Lord, I desire your happiness, Give me the strength to separate myself from the earthly things that keep me from you. I hunger for your love, May my suffering allow me to see you more clearly.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon