8,99 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: anna ruggieri
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
Ähnliche
Buchvorderseite
Titelseite
With a Crabby MysticBy Sr. Mary Lea Hill, FSP
Impressum
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hill, Mary Lea.
Blessed are the stressed : secrets to a happy heart from a crabby mystic / Mary Lea Hill, FSP.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-8198-1229-2 (pbk.) -- ISBN 0-8198-1229-3 (pbk.)
1. Beatitudes--Meditations. I. Title.
BT382.H55 2016
226.9’306--dc23
2015015614
Many manufacturers and sellers distinguish their products through the use of trademarks. Any trademarked designations that appear in this book are used in good faith but are not authorized by, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
The publisher has done its best to obtain permission to use all quoted material within this book. All rights are reserved by their copyright owners.
Cover design by Dan Wegendt
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
“P” and PAULINE are registered trademarks of the Daughters of St. Paul.
Copyright © 2016, Daughters of St. Paul
Published by Pauline Books & Media, 50 Saint Pauls Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-3491
www.pauline.org
Pauline Books & Media is the publishing house of the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation of women religious serving the Church with the communications media.
4 5 6 7 8 9 1028 27 26 25 24
In memory of my parents, Lee and Alvada, and my brother and sister, Lawrence and Marjorie, who even now enjoy eternal happiness.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Beatitudesin Matthew 5:1–12 and Luke 6:20–26
1. Coming to Terms
2. Whoa Is Me!
3. Taffy Pull
4. Tips
5. The Pursuit
6. What Are Beatitudes For?
7. Beauty-tudes
8. The Eternal Award
9. Doing Poorly
10. Poverty Is Like Fishing
11. Abandon
12. Don’t Cry Foul
13. Selfies
14. Unrepeatable
15. “I’m Not a Mourning Person”
16. Mourning Star
17. Motherhood
18. For What Else Shall We Mourn?
19. Let Them Eat Cake
20. Sick and Tired
21. Crank It Up!
22. Thin Ice
23. Porpoise’s Purpose
24. Meekest Man
25. Landowner
26. Getting a Handle
27. In Flight
28. Mighty Waters
29. Without a Paddle
30. Queen of Burgers
31. Eau du Sheep
32. All’s Fair
33. Mercy Now Playing
34. Knock, Knock
35. The Gift of Mercy
36. Mercy Mindset
37. I Owe You
38. Merci Me
39. Driven Snow
40. Face to Face
41. Unsightly
42. Hippopotamouse
43. Chocolate Wars
44. Stringed Instrument
45. Imperfect Perfection
46. Amateur Thief
47. The Power of One
48. Nuttier Than
49. The Good Will Peace
50. Harmony
51. Worms
52. Singing in the Reign
53. Wrestling
54. Age-Appropriate
55. Cunning
55. Cunning
57. But What About Suffering?
58. Happily Ever After
The Sermon on the Mount Continuesin Matthew 5:13–7:29
59. 2B or Not 2B
60. “You da Man!”
61. The Saline Solution
62. Weathering Heights
63. Up the Ante
64. Packing Heat
65. From This Day Froth
66. Sense and Sensibility
67. Dreaded Dust Bunnies
68. Golden Eggs
69. The Stick Figure
70. Scribbles
71. Look the Part
72. Fringe Benefits
73. Betwixt and Between
74. The Inner Court
75. Hunters and Gatherers
76. The Squeeze
77. John the Who?
78. Heavy-Duty Concentrate
79. Happy Feat
80. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Notes
Acknowledgments
The New Testament Scripture quotations used in this work are taken from The New Testament: St. Paul Catholic Edition, translated by Mark A. Wauck, copyright © 2000 by the Society of St. Paul, Staten Island, New York, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
Most of the Scripture quotations from the book of Psalms are taken from The Psalms: A Translation from the Hebrew, edited by Miguel Miguens, copyright © 1997 by the Society of St. Paul, Staten Island, New York, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
All other Old Testament Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The writings of Mother Teresa of Calcutta © by the Mother Teresa Center, exclusive licensee throughout the world of the Missionaries of Charity for the works of Mother Teresa. Used with permission.
Excerpts from Hymns to the Church © 1942, Rowman & Littlefield. Used with permission.
Excerpts from Beatitudes: Soundings in Christian Tra-dition © 1985, Templegate Publishers, LLC. Used with permission.
Introduction
The beatitudes are arguably the best known part of the Gospel. I suspect that they are, on that evidence alone, among the most important words in the New Testament. Because they are familiar to us, they easily roll off the tongue as we read them, almost as easily as the words of a well-known song repeated unconsciously. Generally it is said that familiarity breeds contempt, but I would say that with the beatitudes familiarity breeds comfort.
And so a question arises here: Is this sense of comfort a good or bad thing? Was comfort actually the motivation of Jesus when he proclaimed the beatitudes? A question also arises about the word blessed itself. What does it imply? Sometimes it is translated simply as happy. The secret to understanding the beatitudes lies in understanding these words.
As an introduction, let us just say that the difference between happiness and beatitude is easy to see in our culture. How many people do we know who are happy with how things are in their lives? How many are totally content with who they are and with what they have achieved, and wouldn’t change a thing? They are happy as far as this world’s happiness goes!
Our culture, however, tells us we are not happy and certainly not satisfied. We actually deserve more and better. Advertising has become the new asceticism, and it is dictating the parameters of our earthly paradise. These advertisers are, in fact, not wrong in prompting us toward more and better, because we are always in search of something beyond what we have. We know this more and this better to be the ultimate good, beauty, and truth whom we call God. Saint Augustine could offer his famous quotation as a good advertising slogan for eternal happiness: “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in you.”
Blessed Are the Stressed is not a scholarly treatment of the beatitudes; rather, it is a friendly stroll through them. We will stop to regard this aspect and that meaning in an attempt to get a better idea of how Jesus defines holiness. Together let us look at the beatitudes, savoring the words, mulling over the promises, but, most importantly, making them the hallmark of our lives.
The Beatitudes
When he saw the crowds he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst to do God’s will,
for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing God’s will,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and say every sort of evil thing against you on account of me; rejoice and be glad, because your reward will be great in Heaven—they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.” (Mt 5:1–12)
Then he raised his eyes to his disciples and said,
“Blessed are you poor,
for yours is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you shall have your fill.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you and exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil on account of the Son of Man; rejoice on that day and leap for joy—behold, your reward will be great in Heaven,
because their fathers did the same to the prophets.
But woe to you rich,
for you have your delights!
Woe to you who are full now,
for you shall be hungry!
Woe, you who laugh now,
for you shall mourn and wail!
Woe, when all men speak well of you,
for their fathers did the same to the false prophets!” (Lk 6:20–26)
“The beatitudes are the final crowning of the divine action in a soul. They are the efficacious means to attaining absolute happiness. They are an invitation to practice the virtues, even the most difficult ones.”
—Blessed James Alberione1
1
Coming to Terms
Some concepts
We used to have a convent in a very interesting part of New York City—somewhere between dangerous and not-so-much. Ambitious would-be criminals occasionally hoisted themselves up the side of the building, seeking access through the roof; all manner of grates and bars kept us in, and guard dogs kept others out. So, it was hardly surprising when a visiting Italian sister, on her way out for the day, reported to the superior what she thought was a bomb at the front gate. Sister superior quickly mustered the troops. Several sisters jumped into gear and summoned New York’s Finest, who came immediately with a full bomb squad. They briskly shepherded all the sisters to safety in the back yard. Moments later, from several big, burly cops came New York’s finest laughter. They announced to the twittering flock of nuns that the threat was only a sleeping vagrant. When the original herald of the news came home was and told what happened, she just rolled her eyes and said in her distinctive accent, “That’s what I said: there’s a bom out front!” She had probably hoped we would make him lunch; instead we made a scene!
Terms are interesting and important, but very often lead to confusion because they can so easily be misunderstood or misused. Before wading into the accounts of the beatitudes we need to check out a term. What exactly does blessed mean?
Our first time being blessed probably took place in this context: “Achoo!” “Bless you!”
We take this exchange for granted, but how did it begin? We are told that blessing the sneezer began during one of the influenza attacks of the past. It was hoped that the one who sneezed would not be headed to the sick bed. Now it’s like an automatic reflex. Even if it’s muttered mindlessly, I prefer it to alternative responses like “Ewww!” or “Just use your sleeve, will you?”
“God bless” is exactly what it says, while the less committed “Bless you” implies at least best wishes. Every attempt to live out one of the beatitudes invokes God’s care and kindness. God’s special grace lands on us. What could be better? That’s top-tier!
. . . Respond with blessings, for this is your calling and in this way you will obtain a blessing. (1 Pt 3:9)
And you
Are you in the habit of freely bestowing blessings? What about being a blessing to someone?
2
Whoa Is Me!
Luke’s Version
Horses are so beautiful and powerful! It is always a thrill to see them running wild and free across sunlit hillsides, manes and tails flying. Of course, horses are very big animals. I used to dream of riding. I have a photo from the good old days of pre-school me looking petrified sitting atop a rather short horse, with Dad protectively alongside. I don’t remember this first ride, but I shudder at the thought of my second meeting with a member of that species at a county fair. The only problem for me was having to actually stay on top of the noble steed. I clambered up one side and promptly slid off the other. Even the horse looked back at me with disdain. I’ve sworn off riding since that day. Years later at the Grand Canyon, a guide suggested that we travel down the side trails on horseback. It was tempting until I glanced across at the riders coming down one narrow, rocky trail. The horses delicately sashayed along, swinging their riders way over the edge of the trail. No thanks, I thought. I don’t want a constant bird’s-eye view of where I’ll end up if I slip off this time.
I’m certain had I ever made it to ride atop a horse, even at a steady clop, the first thing out of my mouth would have been, “Whoa, Nelly, or whoever you are!” Yes, I’m skittish, but also cautious.
This is how it is with half of the beatitudes as Luke recalls them. Midway in the account, he switches from blessed to woe. These woes serve to stop us in our tracks like a big old “Whoa!” Hold up a minute and consider this. Danger ahead, watch your step. Woe is a note of warning. It’s as if, in this version of the beatitudes, Jesus is saying, “Whoa to you rich, for you have your delights! Whoa to you who are full now . . . , whoa, you who laugh now . . . , whoa when all speak well of you. . . .”
If only my people would listen to me,
if only Israel would live up to my ways,
in an instant would I subdue their enemies
and extend my hands against their oppressors. (Ps 81:14–15)
And you
Looking at your own way of discipleship, can you imagine the Lord whispering a “Whoa!” to you? Pray about it.
3
Taffy Pull
Fault
Let’s have our little talk on sin right up front and get it over with.
Most of us are familiar with the seven capital sins—principal sins of human nature, the underside of our natural goodness, that is: pride, greed, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth. These are expressions not of our nature as God planned it, but of rebellion, distrust, disbelief, jealousy, and so on—the inheritance of original sin. Generally one of the sins predominates, hence “our predominant fault.” We speak of “faults” and not of “predominant sins” because, until activated, they are only tendencies or inclinations.
Suppose one’s predominant fault is greed. I’m always in need. Although I have enough of everything and need nothing, I want something else: I don’t just admire or appreciate it, but I want it and I will get it.
Let me share a rather innocent example. When I was in the first grade, my mother sent me on an errand. I came back with a bag of salt water taffy. I admired it all the way home and set my heart on the chocolate one. My mother wisely put the bag in a jar on the bookcase. “After supper,” she promised. Meanwhile, my sister spied the jar and helped herself. After supper I found my anticipated treasure gone. Oh, the early-onset angst! My little self reprimanded my honesty, obedience, and lack of alertness. Why didn’t I remove that piece on the way home? Why did my sister have to take the very piece I wanted? Of course, the better me knew the bag of candy was for the whole family; I should generously offer the others first dibs.
You may be thinking: “Relax. You were just a little girl.” True, but I was a little girl who spent a lot of time mulling over “good, better, best,” and bad.
The pull of the capital sins is constant in life, but Jesus has given us a game plan for overriding these tendencies: the beatitudes.
Incline my heart to your testimonies
rather than toward selfish gain.
Restrain my heart from giving attention to empty things;
let me live in your way. (Ps 119:36–37)
And you
As an adult you will find you desire many things from life: good, better, best, and bad. How do you stir yourself toward the way of Christian discipleship? Which beatitude do you find most helpful?
