GOSPEL

How happy are the poor in spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 5:1-12a

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
  theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
  they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
  they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
  they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
  they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
  they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
  they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
  theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord

What If I Give It a Try?

According to what the Lord tells us today, anyone can find happiness in marriage, even through tears and suffering, even if persecuted, insulted, or wronged by their spouse—so long as they are free from worldly interests, seek God’s will, live in grace, strive to purify themselves from worldly passions and standards, and are willing to give themselves for the salvation of the other.
What if I trust, give it a try, and stop complaining and making demands of my spouse?

Applied to Married Life:

Luke: Why do you say you’re not happy?
Martha: Because my husband is harsh with me, always focusing on what I do wrong. Plus, he mocks me with sarcastic jokes.
Luke: Can I ask—do you worry a lot about your image?
Martha: Well, yes. I try to look after myself.
Luke: And when your husband treats you poorly, do you focus more on the hurt you feel, or on understanding what might be troubling him so you can help?
Martha: Oh, come on! With the way he speaks to me, I’m supposed to be thinking about what he’s going through?
Luke: And do you have a spiritual path that helps you grow closer to the Lord and transform your heart?
Martha: No. But I do pray three Hail Marys every day and go to Mass on Sundays.
Luke: Aha! I think I have the diagnosis.
Martha: For my husband?
Luke: No, your happiness doesn’t depend on him. You need to start living the Beatitudes in your marriage.

Mother,

We love you. Thank you for the path you’ve shown us. Praise be to the Lord.