The Gospel of Luke 6:20-31
Jesus looked up at his disciples and said “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.”
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Let us Pray: Almighty God, your saints are one with you in the mystical body of Christ: give us grace to follow them in all virtue and holiness until we come to those inexpressible joys which you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
We are to be inspired by the saints and we are daily encouraged by joining in the worship of heaven with them whenever we gather. You know how it goes … “Therefore, with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven…” In reality today’s saints are the uncomplicated, everyday people. They are like the bread and wine of the Eucharist. They bring God into the lives of others and like the bread and wine, they are sustenance of everyday life. These are the people deep within our community who bring God into our lives. They are the vehicles of grace and the hope of glory. These are some of the things we know about saints and when we stop and think about it the saints are people just like you and me and that is good news. Today’s Saints are women and men whose lives flow seamlessly from prayer to action and from action to prayer in a continuous loving way of life. So, what do the blessings and woes from the first part of this Gospel have to do with Christ’s instructions for living like true saints of God? At first, it sounds like the very things that bring us woe are the same things that bring us blessings, doesn’t it? But there is a difference. Look carefully at what Jesus is saying in these Beatitudes and their matching woes. What do all the blessings have in common? Seeking God. What do all the woes have in common? Seeking ourselves. I think the message is actually pretty simple: We are blessed when we seek God, regardless of our earthly circumstances, and we find woe whenever we are self-satisfied instead of God-seeking.
Let us Pray: God our Father, by our Baptism, you made us your holy people and called us to share in the joy of your saints. By their help and example, you guide us to live for others as Jesus taught us. May their prayers strengthen and comfort us as we follow Jesus to his promise of everlasting life. We make this prayer to you in His name. Amen
Reflections by Bob 