Beatitudes in mission

By Sr. Therese MacDonald, O.L.M.
May/June 2011

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My first mission inspirations were given to me by my mother as she kneaded bread so many years ago and had me memorize the Butler’s catechism. The Beatitudes were included and I drilled them into my head over and over again. Now, 75 years later, I still recall the words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit... the merciful... the pure of heart...” and so on. (Matthew 5:3-12)

Later I joined Our Lady’s Missionaries and was missioned to Brazil. There, in the 70s, we were introduced to Liberation Theology. The Sermon on the Mount was one of the most used scripture passages in this theology. Living with people materially and spiritually poor, I chose as my personal theme, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Through the years, as my life situation changed, I kept readapting my spiritual themes, always choosing one of the Beatitudes. Some years later there were several deaths in my family and “Blessed are they that mourn, they shall be comforted” became my theme. And the story goes on...

Now I find myself an octogenarian living with several chronic diseases, somewhat handicapped, wondering just what “Blessed are” I am living. One day as I lay on an MRI table reciting old poems to myself to pass the time, the Beatitudes came to mind. With each recitation, a memory surfaced. When I came to the last, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” there was my answer. And the reward, “the kingdom of heaven,” is the same as for the first Beatitude.

Although I am not persecuted for my faith, I often read and hear in the media of those who are. As a missionary today, what can I do about it? More words from the Sermon on the Mount ring in my ears. Jesus said, “Pray for those who persecute you...” (Matthew 5:44)

The message is quite simple: those who suffer for their faith, Christians as well as others, are my sisters and brothers. My mission today is to pray for them. I can sit in my room and pray, “You, O God, know the anguish and fears of the persecuted. You make yourself known to them. When they commit themselves into your hands, be their strength and comfort.” (Adapted from Psalm 10:17-18)

Thus have the Beatitudes guided me throughout my life, providing spiritual themes from which to live my mission.

Mission in my life is
...caring for myself and contributing to community life whenever possible, usually doing little jobs that are within my capability.
Sr. Therese MacDonald, OLM, Toronto

Mission in my life is

...to give the best that I can give.
Goya Caronan, OLM Associate Cagayan, Philippines

...to live, appreciate, and share the simple things in life.
Nimfa Codilan Tinoy OLM Associate, Laguidingan Misamis Oriental, Philippines

...to do good for our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
Joy Tumamac, OLM Associate Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental Philippines

...connecting with the world and enjoying it!
Tensie Villa, Cebu City, Cebu Philippines

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