You might ask yourself who comes to mind when you think of those blessed in the gospel beatitudes: the poor in spirit, pure in heart, the merciful, sorrowing, honest, the peacemakers, those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. 

God promises to provide a “level road so that none shall stumble.” What stumbling blocks do I experience on my spiritual journey?

Have Jesus’ words about the first being the last and the last first helped me let go of the natural tendency to measure myself and others in terms of perks and power rather than by the capacity to give freely to others?

God provides all that we need. The first reading says if we choose wisdom, all other riches come to us. The second reading says God’s Word is living and effective. The gospel tells the familiar story of the rich young man.

The original covenant of love was initiated by God. God made that covenant with our spiritual ancestors and commits to that covenant with each one of us today.

During ordinary time we get exposed to lessons in discipleship. The lesson this week includes a warning against spiritual jealousy.

The Letter of Saint James says the wisdom from above manifests itself as pure, but who among us has totally pure motives for anything we do? The apostles sure didn’t, as they tried to elbow each other out of first place as greatest among Jesus’ followers.

To follow Jesus involves self-denial.

Is there anyone whose heart is not frightened at some time or another? Thus, the Lord’s message in Isaiah is directed to all of us. When we encounter Jesus we will experience vindication and recompense.

Jesus has no tolerance for lip service. Pure hands are nothing compared with pure hearts in his eyes.