Gospel for February 13 2022 – Luke 6:17, 20-26
Gospel Reflections for February 13 2022
The Beatitudes …your path to Super Bowl success
On this Super Bowl Sunday Jesus offers wise advice for football and your life as well, and all on the day before St. Valentine’s Day.
The famous list in today’s Gospel is called “The Beatitudes” which is a Latin word for “blessed” and describes a variety of behaviors. In ancient Hebrew, it also meant “Happy.” The Beatitudes provide your path to happiness and success, in any language, and in any sport.
While we always enjoy success in achieving goals, they never satisfy for long, and so we seek more and more in an endless journey. How many remember last year’s Super Bowl winner?
Parents may get this Gospel better than most. While they certainly want their children to be successful, they find that their own behavior of helping them is itself immensely fulfilling.
While our own personal success is rewarding …it’s not ultimately fulfilling.
When we seek the good of another, like helping another person find success, as parents often do with their children, or players who unselfishly work hard for their team, they find that act of love more meaningful.
Here is my retelling of the Beatitudes list in my own words.
Happy are the poor who know the joy of a gift …and are grateful to those who give.
Happy are the hungry who know the value of food …and share with those who have little.
Happy are those in sorrow who learn compassion …and deeply feel another’s pain.
Happy are those who receive insults …yet know from where their personal dignity comes.
Sad are those who seek personal wealth as their only reward …it will be their only reward.
Sad are those who feel full now …and learn it is still never enough.
Sad are those who only seek entertainment …and find it gets old quickly.
Sad are those who seek only the praise of others …and find it ends quickly.
St. Valentine’s Day is Monday, another beautiful reminder from a famous saint who was always focused on love to use whatever you have, a lot or not, for the good of others.
This is the way of the Lord and the path to lasting happiness. Taking the talents and wisdom that you have and using them for the good of others. You will discover your own tremendous joy as St. Valentine did.
Super Bowl Sunday is the time to start a super happier life!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thanks Father for a great outlook on Super Bowl Hype and the fervor that surrounds it. I enjoy the sport, have played Football and tried my best to Win the games I participated in.
However when analyzing my intent and goal found it lacking.
The objective of getting the football across a goal 100 yards away seemed a bit nuts. The injuries resulting and lives shortened did not seem worth it.
Our Catholic Faith calls us to different goals and aspirations and these are meritorious. Help
Us put into Practice these Beatitudes that make us and our world a better place.
What a great comparison between football and the goal of heaven! Well said!
Fr. Dave,
Best explanation of the Beatitudes ever – Thanks!
Larry Schauf
You are welcome!
Hi Fr Dave:
I agree with Larry. What an excellent and defining explanation of the Beatitudes. You have a wonderful way of making the gospels and God’s word very relatable to our every day life.
God bless,
Argyle. Nelson
Thank you. I appreciate your comments very much.
Love your explanation of the Beatitudes and love the beauty of giving in love and making our world beautiful as you do!!! A beautiful Valentines day to you overflowing with our precious God’s,our loving Jesus, and our beautiful Blessed Mothers Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Blessed is the Teacher for He enlightens the path to God for others.
Thank you for your comment. I love nothing more than making our faith clear.
Thank you Father Dave for your wonderful and inspiring message. I have shared it with all of my family. This is so good to reflect on.
Thanks for sharing it!
The retelling of the Beatitudes are perfect. Fr, Dave!
The contrast of the “Happy” and “Sad” are so helpful,,, and a great Examination
of Conscience as well,
You are welcome!
Happy are the poor who know the joy of a gift . .. Gratitude is the memory of the heart.
Well said!