I’ve become acquainted with a local grandmother whose humble desire to help her family reminds me of the Beatitudes we hear so beautifully proclaimed in today’s gospel passage. Fostering her four grandchildren, on top of the two grandchildren with special needs she has already adopted, this loving grandmother has worked tirelessly to care for her grandchildren, including shuttling them to and from school and to several types of therapy.

With no other family to help, she is on her own, trying to navigate the ins and outs of various agencies aimed at helping families in situations like hers. Yet, the system has failed her, and it has been heartbreaking to see her hope dwindle as she has often been unsuccessful in receiving the assistance she needs and deserves.

Pile on top of that the car troubles, endless laundry, limited income, looming bills, a broken finger, and a cancer diagnosis. As a parent with solid support from both my loving family and friends, I can’t imagine going through what she has endured on her own. Yet, no matter what has befallen her, she won’t give up. She selflessly puts her family first. Her poverty of spirit, purity of heart, and mercy towards her grandchildren make me think of exactly what Jesus taught the crowds in his Sermon on the Mount.

My prayer for those who are struggling through similar situations is that when you mourn, you know that you are not alone; when you are persecuted, stereotyped, or misunderstood for the sake of doing good, know that deep down, the kingdom of heaven is yours for the beautiful sacrifices you have made.

My hope for the rest of us is that we will hunger and thirst for justice so that we can build up God’s kingdom here on earth and help satisfy the needs of our brothers and sisters around us.