The Modern Day Sermon on the Mount
By Jackie Trottmann
Over the school holidays our family were captivated by the Artemis II 10-day crewed mission orbiting the moon. Following the safe return of the astronauts to Earth, Christina Koch, one of the astronauts, shared her touching observation when looking back at Earth from space. Viewing our planet suspended like a life boat surrounded by darkness, Koch likened humanity to that of a crew. Here are some of her words:
“A crew has the same cares and the same needs, and a crew is inescapably, beautifully, dutifully linked....I know I haven't learned everything that this journey has yet to teach me, But there's one new thing I know, and that is planet Earth: You are a crew."
This resonated with me. We share one world and live in hope that all world leaders may follow in the way of Mary, role modelling peace, care, humility and tolerance for the sake of humanity.
There is so many negative things going on in the world at the moment that I was grateful for the perspective of the Artemis crew. Their perspective reminded me of a beautiful reflection that I was given once at a retreat day at the Pompallier centre. It is a Modern Version of the Beatitudes and I share it here as our reflection this month.
I hope it touches you as it did me.
“By shining your light, you are shining the light of God into the lives of others. Shine brightly!”
The Modern Day Sermon on the Mount
You’re blessed when you hit rock bottom. Because then you can rely on God to go to work for you.
You’re blessed when you mourn. That means you feel compassion and empathy for others. You begin to understand that we are all one.
You’re blessed when you are humble and authentic. That is worth way more than fleeting power and material possessions.
You’re blessed when you hunger and thirst after spiritual things instead of worldly things. You will feel full instead of empty.
You’re blessed when you express kindness. You will receive kindness in return.
You’re blessed when you allow God’s presence and goodness to fill your mind, heart and soul. Then you will see God in the outside world.
You are blessed if you live in peace and create peace. Then you will understand what it means to be a child of God. You are fulfilling God’s dream for world peace.
You are salt of the earth. Salt is useful! It preserves and adds flavour. If you lose your saltiness, your flavour, your passion, your God qualities, you will no longer be useful and effective.
You’re blessed when people make fun of you or ridicule you for my sake. That means you struck a nerve. Well done! Many of my followers have experienced that. You are in good company.
You’re blessed if you are persecuted because of your relationship with God. God knows and sees everything. God will reward you for your faithfulness.
You are salt of the earth. Salt is useful! It preserves and adds flavour. If you lose your saltiness, your flavour, your passion, your God qualities, you will no longer be useful and effective.
You are the light of the world! Like a city on top of a hill, you can’t be hidden.
If you light a candle, you don’t put it under a basket. No! You put it in a candle holder to light the house.
By shining your light, you are shining the light of God into the lives of others. Shine brightly!
When you hear and do what I’ve just told you, you will be wise and your life’s foundation will be solid and unmovable like a rock. You will weather the storms in life and stand tall.
Now, go! Be blessed and be a blessing! Let your light shine!
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION QUESTION
Which Beatitude do you find most comforting right now? Why?
What is one practical action that you can take this week to live more in line with the Beatitudes?
“As modern Marists, we are called to follow the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount ... We are called to identify the needs of our world...and act boldly to address those needs, confident in God’s providence.”
~ https://maristbr.org/news/sermon-on-the-mount
