Renew us, Lord
I am very happy to be back with you after some time away on vacation. Time away is good—it allows rest, renewal, and perspective. But coming back home reminds us of something important: life does not pause, faith does not pause, and our call as disciples does not go on vacation. Today’s readings speak beautifully to this moment of return and renewal.
In the Gospel, Jesus goes up the mountain and begins to teach the crowds. He does not start by giving instructions about success, wealth, or comfort. Instead, He speaks about the Beatitudes—about the kind of people who truly belong to God’s Kingdom. This is Jesus calling us back to the heart of our faith.
After time away—whether from work, routine, or even spiritual focus—we often return with fresh eyes. We notice things we may have taken for granted. In the same way, the Beatitudes invite us to re-examine how we are living our Christian life in very practical ways.
As we continue this Eucharist, let us ask the Lord to renew us—not just rested, but converted. May this season be a fresh beginning for our parish family: more humility, more mercy, more hunger for God, and more commitment to living the Gospel in simple, concrete ways.
May the Lord who calls us blessed also give us the grace to live as Beatitude people.
