Supreme Happiness

Supreme happiness is the actual translation of the word beatitude. A career working with children has taught me that supreme happiness is often thought to be found in a new X-Box, I-Pod, computer, car, toy, fashion item, etc. It is an old lesson that is never entirely learned; material goods do not bring true happiness in this imperfect existence we cling to. We don't find many blessings in finite objects that break or get boring too soon, yet the over-hyped Christmas ads show up before Halloween is over and tempt us to try again.

As families of Saint Joseph's School we try to follow God's will. Jesus Christ taught us a simpler path to following that will and it didn't involve having more "stuff." He gave us the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11):

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave us the Beatitudes. They are a comfort and an inspiration for us all. What a wonderful gift instead of an I-Phone with monthly fees. This year why not try putting a copy of the Beatitudes in your child's Christmas stocking as a gift from the originator of Christmas. Go ahead. I double dog dare you!