Examining the State of Our Hearts

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. // Matthew 5:9

From my eighth-grade desk, I looked over at Kat and her golden locks shimmering in a beam of afternoon sunlight. We had just voted for the eighth-grade girl who would crown the Blessed Mother at the May Crowning. It was a big deal for the eighth graders and a marked honor for the girl chosen.

There was no doubt in my mind that it would be popular, beautiful, head cheerleader Kat. I sighed knowing that someone like me—shy and chubby with a head of unruly, curly hair—would never be chosen. Yet, it was my name the teacher called. I stood dumbfounded as my classmates turned and smiled at me.

Later, when talking to a friend about my shock, she commented on how I always tried to be kind to others, defended those who were being mistreated, and tried to keep the peace amongst classmates. I would never be the beautiful, popular cheerleader, but in that moment, my classmates saw something that mattered more.

That happened decades ago, yet it still touches my heart because it is a lesson we can live in our adulthood. When God looks at us, the most important things aren’t going to be how popular or successful we are in the world. He will examine the state of our hearts and if we’re living a life of love and mercy.

Jesus gives us a long list of Beatitudes in today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12) and it can be overwhelming to strive to be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, and rejoicing at persecution. However, every day we are given little moments to live the Beatitudes.

Perhaps, there’s a Beatitude that you don’t understand. Take a moment to look it up in the Catechism to get a better appreciation of it. Or if there’s a Beatitude that bothers you, take it to prayer and ask God to open your heart to its meaning.

Lord, teach me how to be a reflection of the Beatitudes in my life, so I can love You more and draw others to Your mercy.

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