Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 50

the icy egoism which holds so many back from becoming great and conspicuous
in their higher life.”
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In this sense, Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, “Rejoice and Be Glad,” is
very important. In the simplest of ways, he speaks of the call imparted upon
all the faithful: be holy! To do so, just live the Beatitudes on a daily basis. This
is the way to holiness for the ordinary person, and likewise the way for an
extraordinary saint.
In fact, “this holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small
gestures. Here is an example: a woman goes shopping, she meets a neighbour
and they begin to speak, and the gossip starts. But she says in her heart: “No, I
will not speak badly of anyone”. This is a step forward in holiness. Later, at
home, one of her children wants to talk to her about his hopes and dreams, and
even though she is tired, she sits down and listens with patience and love. That
is another sacrifice that brings holiness. Later she experiences some anxiety,
but recalling the love of the Virgin Mary, she takes her rosary and prays with
faith. Yet another path of holiness. Later still, she goes out onto the street,
encounters a poor person and stops to say a kind word to him. One more step.”
As we grow in self-transcendence- by means of walking the path of the
Beatitudes- we will become transparent and holy; manifested through a life of
selfless giving. Such will lead to everlasting joy, peace, and gratitude. It is the
spirit of gratitude that drives away unhappiness. Gratitude itself is a prayer.
When we begin to thank God for the air that we breathe, the water we drink,
the food we eat every few seconds, that is already a mystical prayer.
Nobody can keep oneself alive if there is no air, the water has dried up, or the
soil that was once fertile bears no food. The Rosary of the prayer of gratitude
will have many more beads than the Five Mysteries. This is the Rosary made of
the unsung, unknown soldiers of charity.
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