The first time that I went to Mass inside a prison, I was really struck by the priest’s homily and especially by the reaction of the inmates there who heard it. I could see on their faces that it really resonated.
Walking out of the prison, I went over to the priest and thanked him. I’ll never forget his response. He said: “Yeah, doesn’t the Gospel make so much more sense in a place like this?”
In a place like this…
Have you ever found yourself in a place like this?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus went up a high mountain to teach. Earlier in scripture, Moses went up a mountain and came back down with the Ten Commandments, which had been etched into stone. In the Gospel, Jesus offered a new set of commandments, but these he hoped would be etched into the hearts of his followers.
In reality, though, it wasn’t commandments or rules he gave to them… rather, it was a description of life in the Kingdom of God. The key to this life?
Being blessed.
It’s easy to think about being blessed as being happy, satisfied, or fulfilled. But Jesus is not talking about any of those things. He is talking about being deeply rooted in God’s favor.
He is definitely not saying” “Hey poor people, you know… you really should feel better about yourselves!” Or: “All you mourners out there, cheer up.” Or: “Golly gee, those among you who are suffering… put on a happy face!”
It’s not a pat on the back to the downtrodden that Jesus is offering here; rather… he is saying that the poor, the sad, the persecuted, the hungry… all hold a special place in the heart of the Father, that they are especially dear to Him.
He is speaking directly to everyone who has ever found themselves betrayed, abandoned, experiencing great pain, loneliness, addiction, doubt, worry, illness, or fear.
Have you ever found yourself in a place like this?
If so, then the Beatitudes are addressed directly… to you.
A person who is mourning may wonder: Where is God in all of this pain?
A peacemaker who feels exhausted may question: Does any of this matter?
A person criticized for doing the right thing, especially when that comes at a cost, may ask: Is this even worth it?
Jesus’ answer is consistent: Yes. God sees you. God is with you. God’s Kingdom belongs to people who are exactly like you.
Ultimately, Jesus himself would come to know full well what a place like this feels like. He was humiliated, abused, betrayed by a friend, and abandoned by those who vowed to stick with him no matter what.
Unfortunately, life can bring every one of us to a place like this.
But even there, we are not forgotten. Not because the pain itself is a blessing. Not because we have to put on a happy face. But because we are held dear by a loving Father who keeps calling us to him, who comes looking for us, and who does not abandon us. No matter what.
So if you find yourself in a place like this… please hear what Jesus is saying to you.
You are not beyond God’s sight or reach.
You are not outside his love.
Because even there… especially there… you are blessed.
