The essentials

It is so easy to get caught up in issues like closing schools, altar girls, and so on. To criticize and tear down. To become so full of anger and hate and judgement.

But sometimes I think we forget the essentials of our Catholic faith.

We have a radical agenda laid out for us through the Beatitudes. How many of us measure up to them? I know I fail.

In Matthew's version (5:3-10):

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for the sake of righteousness (justice): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

These are the main ones listed, but Matthew goes on:

Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.