Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,
We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us!
Today we hear one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture: the Beatitudes. Jesus goes up the mountain, sits down, and begins to teach. What He teaches is not what the world expects. He speaks of the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who suffer persecution. These are the ones He calls blessed. In the world's eyes, these qualities do not always look like blessings. The world values strength, success, power, and recognition. Jesus turns that way of thinking upside down. He shows us that true happiness is not found in wealth, status, or control, but in humility, mercy, and trust in God.
When Jesus says "blessed," He is not saying life will be easy. He is saying that God is near. The Beatitudes reveal what life looks like when God is at the center. They show us the heart of Jesus Himself. He is poor in spirit, gentle, merciful, and obedient to the Father even unto death. The Beatitudes are not just rules to follow. They are a portrait of Christ.
The first reading from the prophet Zephaniah speaks to those who are humble and lowly, encouraging them to seek the Lord. God does not overlook the quiet and the faithful. He lifts them up. Saint Paul echoes this message when he reminds the Corinthians that God often chooses what is weak in the eyes of the world to reveal His glory. Our value does not come from what we achieve. It comes from belonging to God.
The Beatitudes invite us to examine our hearts. Where do we seek happiness? What do we chase after? Jesus invites us to a deeper joy; a joy rooted in relationship with God. This joy does not disappear when life becomes difficult. In fact, it often grows stronger through suffering, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
Living the Beatitudes is not easy. It requires daily conversion. It means choosing mercy when anger feels easier. It means choosing humility when pride tempts us. It means trusting God even when the path is unclear. But Jesus assures us that those who live this way are not forgotten. The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them.
Brothers and sisters, the Beatitudes remind us who we are called to be. They call us to live differently, to love generously, and to trust deeply. When we do, we discover that true blessedness comes not from what we hold onto, but from what we place in God's hands.
Please invite someone to Mass today.
St. Philip Neri, pray for us. Have a blessed day!
Fr. Szparagowski
Don't miss out on important parish information, event details, and more! Signing up is quick and easy.
Read more posts by Matt Stanczak.
NOTE: If you notice anything incorrect with this post, please email stanczak.matt@gmail.com