The readings today are comforting, which is good, because I need comforting. In the beatitudes we are told that those who are having a tough time now, suffering in this world, will not suffer forever.  The trials of this world will be reversed in heaven. Those who are meek and obedient to God will get their reward, perhaps not here, perhaps not soon, but their reward will be great in heaven. Those who show mercy here will be shown mercy there. People here who feel they have not been blessed will receive those blessings in heaven.

My husband recently died. It’s very hard for me. Of course I am mourning. And here I see, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” And, as I said, I’m in need of some comforting. And I’m hurting, but I do still feel blessed.  I know what a blessing it was for us to have the time we had together. And I still feel his presence. I have the blessings of wonderful memories, and I am comforted knowing that we will be together again on the other side – what a great reward that will be.