Irrelevant for those much more interested in what they can acquire here and now rather than in a future promised reward. And terrifying for those who realize that discipleship is serious business and a call to a complete change of attitude, heart and way of life!

The Beatitudes tell us as much about Jesus as they do of Jesus’ expectations of his followers. Blessed are the meek and humble, the poor and the merciful, the peace makers and advocates for justice, the persecuted and mourning ~ Who fits this description better than Jesus himself? The beatitudes are, in short, an invitation to imitate Jesus.

This is why the first reading exhorts us to SEEK justice and humility; but not before telling us to seek the Lord! We must see the beatitudes with the same priorities: Seek out the Messenger and not just the message. Conform, not just to the words, but to the life, mind and example of the Lord who speaks these words. Christianity is not about a philosophy, but it is about following Jesus Christ even in the face of insult and persecution. It is the narrow way; the road less traveled, the path of much resistance, and the most amazing, significant, wise, fulfilling, and rewarding journey that we will ever choose to follow!

Lent starts this week. It is a good time for getting into spiritual shape. With God’s help, we can shed some dead weight (repentance, fasting, confession), improve our diet (Eucharist, scripture reading) and get plenty of exercise (i.e., of our faith by serving, sharing, forgiving, and praying for those in need). Who knows? God will make a model disciple out of you yet!