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“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man."
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shares the Beatitudes with the twelve apostles and the disciples who followed him. In these words we are reminded of the people Jesus serves in his ministry. Among these people are the poor, the hungry, the weeping, the excluded and unloved.
Growing up, there were times I felt that to be a Christian, I had to be a squeaky clean person with no sins and no faults. Throughout my life I have felt shame and guilt for decisions I have made and things I have done because I think back to those squeaky clean and pure expectations. As I have gotten older and learned more about who Jesus is and the people he serves, I have realized that he serves the poor, the vulnerable, and the outcasts - people who are not rich, not fulfilled, and sometimes not even loved or accepted.
Through my years at St. Ambrose, I have learned more about the Catholic Social Teachings and realized that the church is not made up of squeaky clean people. The saints and followers of Jesus either were or served the poor. Many left their comfortable lives to live among the poor, the hungry and the brokenhearted. They found richness, fulfillment, and comfort in their faith and through service of others.
As we grow forward in our faith, I hope we all can see God in the poor, the vulnerable, and those who are mistreated. May we hang on to our faith in the times we may be poor, hungry, or experience hatred and know that God will bring us his riches. He will fulfill our hunger, and He will always show us the love we are searching for.
Last Sunday we celebrated the Rite of Acceptance with SAU students Lauren Hoesly and Taylor Smith! Their sponsors, Katherine Greening (on the left) and Jordan Robinson (on the right), presented them to our faith community. During the celebration, we promised to support them with our prayers as they continue to prepare for Baptism, Confirmation and receiving the Eucharist. Lauren and Taylor meet weekly with their sponsors and our initiation team to reflect on the Sunday Scriptures proclaimed at Mass and to learn about the Catholic faith and way of life. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Catholic Church, please contact us at ministry@sau.edu.
