The rich of this world are much richer, and the poor are even poorer than a generation ago. How can this be when Jesus has said to the world and to over a billion-and-a-half Christians: "How blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs" (Mt 5:3).

Jesus said: "Blest too are the sorrowing" (Mt 5:4). That might make us think that there would be long lines of people waiting to go to Confession in sorrow for their sins (see 2 Cor 7:9).

How many people do you know who have intentionally decided to be lowly? (see Mt 5:5)

We are constantly bombarded with advertisements promising to feed our hunger and quench our thirst. Yet who except Jesus talks about hungering and thirsting for righteousness? (Mt 5:6)

The Catholic Church keeps pleading for mercy (see Mt 5:7) to be given to those on death row. Even most Catholics don't agree with their Church.

Our hearts are aching, broken, hard, and even impenitent. The Lord is seeking hearts which are single and pure (Mt 5:8).

How many Catholics in Northern Ireland want to make peace (see Mt 5:9) with Protestants, or vice versa? How many blacks want to make peace with whites, or vice versa? How many Christians want peace and unity with Christians of other denominations?

How many Christians are disappointed that the Lord hasn't chosen them for much persecution? (see Mt 5:10-12)

In the Beatitudes, Jesus has revealed to us how to live. Focus on living one of the eight Beatitudes each month. Pray to trust Jesus more than ever before. You can go free and live the abundant life.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 28, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 1, 1998