That word 'Happy'
Take a look at the front cover of any women’s magazine, and you’ll find a host of headlines promising to transform readers’ lives for the better. Inside you’ll find articles about miracle diets, the most flattering make-up, the latest fashions to achieve the perfect look. This trend is particularly noticeable at this time of year when the focus is on new year resolutions – new year, new you!
We live in a culture obsessed with appearances. The ultimate message is that we need to constantly transform our outward image in order to feel fulfilled and happy. If we let this message filter in, we can be left feeling empty, frustrated and dissatisfied with our lot.
But today’s Gospel speaks of a different type of happiness. The word ‘happy’ appears nine times in the Beatitudes – it is sometimes translated as ‘blessed’.
Thought for the DayThis happiness Jesus is talking about should not be viewed as a reward for religious achievements, but rather as an act of grace by God. The focus is much deeper than superficial happiness. The Beatitudes call us to a radically new way of being. When we centre our lives on God, we find our true identity and lasting peace.