Reverse

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11).

Christ the Way (Icon)

Today is my birthday.  It is a special day for me.  I decided when I was in my early twenties that I would always love my birthday, and I have loved it ever since.

My family laugh at me a little bit because they know that this is a silly little obsession of mine.  I do not care much for the presents – I am lucky enough to have everything that I could wish for and to be able to buy most other things that I do not already have.  But I do like the company, a bit of cake and a fuss with people who love me and who I love.

I have been thinking about this celebration of my birthday today and reflecting on how silly it really is.  After all, in times past, people did not really even record the date of their birth.  All of my grandparents made up their birthdays because they were unaware of when the real date was because there were no adequate records kept in their village during those days. 

And I have been reflecting on these good days as I consider the difficult times that I have gone through in my life.  Now, my life has been a blessed life.  I have endured very little suffering.  In fact, there are times when I consider that the suffering of my life has been so little that I have nothing to offer to Our Lord.

I have been reflecting on this in light of the beatitudes.  You see, the beatitudes teach us that God is not only with us during the good times, but He is with us in the bad times as well.  They give us hope that there is more to this suffering of a lifetime than what we see right here and now…

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn,   for they will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers,     for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:3-11).

And really what those words are telling me is that I need to find the Saviour in the moment.  When things are looking grim of hard or just plain undesirable, THAT is where I need to look – in the reverse of what this world tells me is good.  THAT is where I find my Saviour.

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.