That’s how the beatitudes, in my view, apply to this one event in the life of a 15 year old eagle scout from Warwick. In this particular instance, as I see it, Matthew Lutynski was faithful--faithful to these very important words of Jesus. The challenge that now faces him is the challenge to be faithful to these words in every other situation and every other circumstance of his life. That’s also the challenge that faces you and me. May he, and all of us, face this challenge successfully.

(This reflection was given on the fourth Sunday in ordinary time on January 30, 1999 at Medium Security MOD, ACI, Cranston, R.I. Edited for prison use by Francis Valliere, written by Fr. Raymond Suriani. Read [Zeph 2:3; 3:12-13],[1 Cor 1:26-31]; [Matt 5: 1-12.]

"When it came to being awarded his eagle scout badge, Matthew Lutynski planned the ceremony. He invited Warwick mayor Lincoln Chafee, and other municipal representatives. And he sent out another letter--to senator Jack Reed [who normally attends such events].

The scout asked senator Reed not to attend.

"I said it was with deep regret that I was writing," Lutynski said. However he had recalled what Father Robert Marciano, who is the pastor of his parish, which also sponsors boy scout troop 7, said about the senator's vote against the partial birth abortion ban in congress that past December. Lutynski wanted to be honest and up front.

"I just thought that it was wrong that he would vote in favor of abortion. I said, ‘you really let down a lot of people voting the way you did,’" Lutynski said.

"I couldn’t have been prouder of him," said Matthew’s father, Eric. "for him to hold a congressman accountable for his actions, I think that’s remarkable. I wish more adults would do that."

[Father Marciano echoed Eric Lutynski's sentiments and added that what Matthew did was "very courageous."]

At the very end of the article we’re told that Matthew never received a response from the congressman, but he doesn’t harbor a grudge against the senator for not responding, nor has he given up totally on the congressman. Matthew said that the senator only needs to do one thing to redeem himself. He said, "if they have another bill like this before congress, I would just like to see him vote against abortion."

I mention this today not only because it’s a great example of the weak shaming the strong, but also because it’s a great example of an individual putting the beatitudes into practice--which is what we’re all supposed to do in this life. Now to make this clear to you let me take each beatitude individually and apply it briefly to the experience of young Matthew Lutynski--

Blest are the poor in spirit. That means "blest is the person who knows that he needs God and who puts his whole trust in God." You know, we live in an age of human history where many people think that politics is the ultimate answer. They mistakenly believe that politicians will solve all our social problems. The one glitch in that theory is that politicians can only change policies and structures, they cannot change hearts. And first and foremost it’s hearts that need to change if our society is ever going to change for the better. That’s because every moral evil (as Jesus tells us in Matthew 15) begins in the human heart. From his courageous action its evident that young Matt Lutynski puts more trust in God than he does in politicians--Alleluia!!! And he also realizes that the hearts of people like Jack Reed need to change on the issue of abortion, if our nation is ever to become what it’s supposed to be: a place of liberty and justice for all.

Blest are the sorrowing. That means "blest is the person whose heart is broken for the world’s suffering and for his own sin." In this case, blest is the person whose heart is broken in the face of the suffering and murder of pre-born children. Matthew’s action was rooted in that sorrow.

Blest are the lowly. This means, among other things, "blest is the person who has his emotions under control by the power of God’s grace." Matt Lutynski was angry (and understandably so) after hearing about Jack Reed’s pro-abortion vote. But to his credit, this young man did not allow his anger to lead him into sin. Notice he didn’t lash out disrespectfully against the congressman. He acted with respect, conveying his position to reed with clarity and conviction.

Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness. Holiness involves doing God’s will, doing what is right, and desiring that others do the same. Certainly Matthew, in this situation, did what he believed God wanted him to do. He did what he believed was right. But he also showed a desire that congressman Reed act in holiness and do what is right in the future--by standing up for the rights of pre-born children.

Blest are they who show mercy. Matthew’s final remarks show that he still has hope for the congressman and a merciful attitude toward him. He hasn’t condemned him. He hasn’t written him off. He’s merely pointed out his sin, in the hope that this will lead to a change of heart and a pro-life vote in the future.

Blest are the single-hearted. You know, if Matt Lutynski had wanted to, he could have completely ignored the fact that his local congressman is pro-abortion. He could have accepted Mr. Reed’s congratulations at the presentation ceremony. He could have had his picture taken with the congressman. He could have enjoyed the honor of having a political figure there, like senator Reed, to pay tribute to himself and his accomplishment. But to this young 15 year old, doing that would have indicated that his heart was divided--divided between loyalty to his faith, and a desire for public acclaim. So Matthew took the single-hearted approach and remained loyal to his faith, loyal to the truth.

Blest are the peacemakers. Anytime a person takes any action to defend the pre-born children in a non-violent, civil manner, that person is contributing toward peace in the world. Because there is nothing more violent than the slaughter of innocent pre-born babies.

Blest are those persecuted for holiness’ sake; blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. No doubt there are some people who think that what Matt Lutynski did was wrong. They would call it arrogant, insulting, rude, childish, disrespectful, and a host of other negative things. Perhaps there are even some here present who would embrace those attitudes. I pray not, but I certainly recognize the possibility. In any event, the phenomenon itself merely serves to validate this beatitude. When you do what’s 'right' out of love for God, you’re bound to take some heat. But Jesus promises us here in this gospel that it’s worth it--well worth it.