Especially with regard to living the Gospel, we are not alone. A great cloud of witnesses journey with us offering us inspiration, wisdom, intercession, and support. We look to them for the example of perseverance we desperately need in order to be faithful, and for what it means to “walk the talk!” The Beatitudes are indeed a blessed vision that people hunger to hear and embrace. But, they also clearly remind us that following Jesus is difficult. Poverty of spirit, meekness, mercy, and peace making are not virtues readily accepted by the world. Pursuing a purity of heart and acknowledging the hunger of our souls require not only a courageous stance, but a single-minded devotion to God. And, after going against the grain of the world and meeting resistance along the way, the true disciple may find themselves persecuted and paying a high price. Look to all the saints for the secret to happiness and the example of fidelity. Their lives speak volumes of how God can use even the weakest and most humble among us in tremendous ways. Saints are not even close to being perfect. They are just ordinary folks like us trying to give honor to God with their lives.