Eternal Perspective

I have no delusions about my holiness. Sometimes I wish I could go to confession everyday, to be made clean after every encounter with temptation and sin. Thus whenever I read the Beatitudes, I ask Jesus just how far I have followed what He has prescribed. I saw that it's the Gospel reading for today. Given these standards I knew how I fared - I heard my attempts to become blessed and heard a loud, alarming thud. I had fallen flat on my face in my personal life again. I'm supposed to be used to it by now, but it doesn't get any easier.

If, however, effort counts, then I should rejoice. In the eternal perspective, I believe I have earned some points. By earthly standards I may be a glowing disappointment, but I have a Heavenly Father who knows me inside out and who see everything. Having set my eyes on storing my rewards in heaven, it's but natural to see none of that here on earth.

I will hold on to His promise: heaven, only that; to be united with my God forever. I will not lose Hope.

Matt.5:1-12, RSV

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."