(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
The name of the religion the Muslims practice is called Islam. The name means submission, which gives peace. The summary of the eight Beatitudes is submission. I think that most other religions would summarize their essential beliefs as submission to God. What is loving God above all things if it is not submission to God? We do not call blessed or holy those who act as if they were god or who put themselves first in their relationships.
The poor, whether in money, power or position, need help while the rich do not. Those who have lost loved one, property or self-esteem mourn while the rich do not mourn. The meek yield to others, but the haughty do not. Those who experience the brunt of injustice thirst for redress, but the unjust do not care. The merciful receive what they give out, and the proud and overbearing also receive what they give out. The clean of hear see Gods, but the others have blinders on. Those who sow peace have committed themselves to God, but war comes from those who live for themselves. Those who submit receive, but those who do not submit because they have closed hands and hearts.
The mystery of religion is that we get what we want and need when we submit to God. It is not in prestige, power, or position; it is not in what we have or in wat we think we have; it is not in being our own person or making a name for ourselves, that have succeeded or achieved holiness. Rather it is in submitting ourselves to God’s plan for us that we find happiness, blessings and holiness.