Tenth Monday of Ordinary Time

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

The last Beatitude reminds us that following in Christ’s footsteps will not be easy. We can be poor in spirit, mournful, meek, thirsting for righteousness, merciful, clean of heart, and peacemakers, but we will also be persecuted in great and small ways. Our families, friends, and neighbors might not understand our faith or misinterpret our good actions. Thankfully, we are not here on earth to be celebrated by others. We are here to become Godbearers, bringing God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace to all whom we meet, even those who persecute us. If we are faithful in this mission, then our reward will be great in heaven.

Do we uphold the Beatitudes even in the midst of persecution? How do we handle being falsely accused? Which Beatitudes do we need to work on?

O Lord, let us rejoice and be glad even in the midst of our trials.

Amen.