Gentleness, Passion, Pure

My blog today continues with the Beatitudes using specific words from the Gospel of Matthew. They are Meek, Righteousness, and Purity of heart.

Three words, Meek, Righteousness and Pure are part of the Beatitudes spoken by Jesus. Read the verses in Matthew 5:5-8. These words can prove challenging for so many of with a desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Meek or gentleness, often mistaken for weak is hard to see in others when we understand that it biblically means a virtue that is defined as power under control. Power as we are taught by Jesus, means having self-control especially under extreme conditions. It is not easy to learn but important. Self-control is a virtue we should desire to obtain, preferably in our youth. Once we have self-control, can evaluate our situation, respond appropriately, we will gain blessings from God.

I caution you, my readers, to be careful who you label as weak. You cannot know with 100% surety that what you are “seeing” as a weak response, is not quiet courage and restraint. Too often we think of someone as being strong when in fact they are a bully or acting out of insecurity.

Righteousness and Justice. Throughout the Old Testament we read about God’s passion for justice. Expecting Justice comes from His love for his children, all His children. As Jesus spent time with his disciples before going throughout Jerusalem, he took the time to make them understand that being a follower of his meant taking care of the marginalized. As his teaching continued, he also showed (taught) how to speak for the marginalized. How to stand up to the government and religious leaders who treat their citizens unjustly without being violent and demeaning.

I have to admit that I am often challenged when it comes to righteousness and justice. I purpose take the time to think about the issues that I support, and others done. I personally turn to the Catholic Social Teaching to help guide me to make sure that I am not in a me, myself and I mentality. I want to be sure that my support is based on the New Testament teachings, specifically those of Jesus.

Pure/Clean of heart. As a flawed human with the tendency to let emotions get the better of me, reacting with negative thoughts and wishes come into play. Emotions, when uncontrolled, can lead us to anger and thoughts that are unworthy of us as children of God.

Anger, hurt, envy, etc. are emotions that may lead to thoughts of vindictiveness/revenge. Striving to “be pure of heart” is challenging for any of us as we are flawed humans. This is no excuse to give in to our harmful emotions. This is where prayer, reflection and asking for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts to deal with the situation.

This hinders my ability to be honest with others and instead would become cold, distant or mean to “get even.” It has been with years of experience, understanding, and gaining wisdom with age that I have learned to control my thoughts. Clean of heart for me is doing my very best to let God guide my thoughts.

Meek, Righteousness, and Purity of heart require much of us. As I have shared in previous blogs and social media, “Discipleship will cost. Are you willing?” – St. Sabina Church in Chicago.

I am.

We are providing a free webinar, Three Self-Emptying Days, review, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.  Register for the webinar here

Millie Padilla

FSJ Admin