Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the land.
Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.
Fortunate are those with pure hearts, for they shall see God.
Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children of God.
Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God. For that is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.

REFLECTION:
     Every time there is an announced canonization or beatification, I feel envious and always want to attend it. Thank God I was able to attend some. I feel envious because I know I could also be beatified or canonized. To be a saint is our calling. It is the end of life we all want to attain. The envy that I have always lead to deep self-examination, it strengthens and inspires me to go on with life especially in moments of dryness and difficulties. Reflecting on the lives of the saints, many of them, except the martyrs, did not perform extraordinary things but simply faithful to their ordinary duties and putting much love on it. They do it for the love of God and neighbor, not wanting to be praised and rewarded. However their goodness never escaped the eyes of God. They are canonized saints. I feel deep joy every time I think of them. I always feel their soft voice telling me, “you are destined to be with us.“ “ We are waiting for your coming.“ What then shall we do?
The following can help us for our reflections: The great use of life is to spend it for something that will last–(William James), “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe–(St Augustine), Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product–(Eleanor Roosevelt)