Today’s readings remind us that life on this earth is full of tension.  Tension is woven into the fabric of this fallen world.  While we hope for peace and tranquility, we must somehow accommodate ourselves to this tension and deal with it on a daily basis, knowing that what we have now will not last, but something greater and better is being prepared for us. That something is not yet; we still have to live in the now.

The reading from St. Paul presents the tradeoffs associated with the commitment of marriage and family life and other vocations for service.  As one married for 38 years now and thoroughly committed to growing together with my good wife, our journey together has shown us goodness and difficulty in the vocation of marriage. 

Our marriage has brought forth six children, five of whom are still living, and ten grandchildren so far.  As Saint John Paul II has written, the family is a deeper school of humanity that forms us and helps bring us to maturity.  Ironically, this school may be forming the parents even more than the children – but those kids eventually get their schooling, too.  (Grandchildren as deliverers of cosmic justice?  The mysteries continue to unfold!) 

We are born to serve, and our vocation will contain obstacles, trials, and difficulties.  If we knew about them beforehand, would we still embark on the journey?  Such knowledge is not given to us, but we are still called to journey on in faith.  The One who accompanies us is trustworthy.

This journey will transform and prepare us and also touch the lives of others. That transformation requires us to be open to the wisdom that is hidden for us to discover along the way.

Today’s gospel, the “sermon on the plain,” presents contrasts of blessedness and woes.  They encourage those who suffer and caution those who may feel successful.  In doing so, they create tension that may cause anxiety and apprehension.  But perhaps instead we should take that tension to a deeper level in our prayer. 

Neither triumphs nor sorrows endure forever. Let us embrace them both with humility.  Follow up with gratitude in all things, for we cannot know how even suffering may be preparing us for our life ahead -- even heaven. Trust that our Lord, who is our companion on this journey, is loving us, not judging us, in the midst of our prayers, wanting to hear from us and to help us along to maturity.  Let us also maintain wonder in our souls, never taking for granted the wondrous love that God showers around us. He does not even make two snowflakes to be the same; how much more care must be shown for the singularity He has created in you! 

Lord, in the trials of this life, help us to trust you always.  In our triumphs, help us to remember the source of goodness, which on earth must fade away, but endures in heaven where our treasures are being stored.  In all things, let us draw our life, our meaning, and our strength from knowing and loving you. Thanks be to God.