MASS READINGS:

A reading according to the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. 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." Reflection: "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied."

According to St Augustine, the Sermon on the Mount was primarily directed to the Apostles and therefore of special value for priests. Then afterwards Jesus was with the crowds and He expanded on the Beatitudes. With these Beatitudes Jesus gave us a guidebook for real happiness--happiness with God for eternity.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. With this Beatitude in mind as well as his past history of homelessness, Father John Adams, a Claretian Priest, established SOME (So Others Might Eat). It first began as a small Catholic ministry and eventually now helps all homeless people in need. Now people are fed, given medical care and some now live in affordable housing.

In ministries such as these, many people with interesting histories are met. One was Richard Ward (fictitious name), an alcoholic, drug abuser, thief, and embezzler. He showed sincere repentance and genuine desire for reconciliation with God from such a dark background. Father Adams was able to show Richard the way and the truth toward God's mercy regardless of his past He was shown compassion through Father Adams --shown fortitude and courage, the gifts of repentance and atonement.

Such is the good life that God intends for us. Richard sought true happines and no longer the happiness he had in his youth. The Beatitudes are the answer to the natural desire for happiness that God has placed in our hearts.

We thank God for Father Adams who brought Jesus into Richard's life. The priest is doing God's work out in the neighborhoods and Father Adams truly is the priest who continues the work of redemption here on earth.

God Bless

Remember the first Annual PAPA Conference open to members, December 6-8th, 2019.

Theme: "Wounded Priesthood: What is the Solution?"