Obstacles abound in the world. Even committed disciples may find themselves tainted by the worldly philosophies that surround us. Sometimes the world even prevents the living of a life fully attuned to Matthew 5:1-12. Let’s read:
91. In living the Gospel, we cannot expect that everything will be easy, for the thirst for power and worldly interests often stands in our way. Saint John Paul II noted that “a society is alienated if its forms of social organization, production and consumption make it more difficult to offer this gift of self and to establish this solidarity between people” [Centesimus Annus 41c] In such a society, politics, mass communications and economic, cultural and even religious institutions become so entangled as to become an obstacle to authentic human and social development. As a result, the Beatitudes are not easy to live out; any attempt to do so will be viewed negatively, regarded with suspicion, and met with ridicule.
We American may test this assumption in many places: in our workplaces, on social media, and especially if we are active in politics or community affairs. Alas, our church groups are occasionally caught up in the negative as well.
You can check the full document Gaudete et Exsultate on the Vatican website.
