Then he came down with them and stood on a level place. And a large number of his disciples had gathered along with a vast multitude from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. They came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who suffered from unclean spirits were cured. The whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power was coming out from him and healing them all.
Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you.
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject you as evil on account of the Son of Humanity! Rejoice in that day, and jump for joy, because your reward is great in heaven. For their ancestors did the same things to the prophets.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your comfort already.
“Woe to you who are well satisfied with food now, for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
“Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for their ancestors did the same things to the false prophets.
Reflection
The Beatitudes either deeply inspiring or troubling. It does seem to follow the old adage of
comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. This is very clear in today's reading from Luke. (The very observant worshiper might notice that this is the Lucan version following this past Sunday's reading from Matthew.) I wonder if most readers feel the same way that I do--liking all the parts that are easy and provide blessing, but struggling with all of the woes and judgments for lack of ethical living. We like it when "those..." get their comeuppance. We "mmm huh" and say, "Give it to them Jesus!" This is the great reversal. We are totally fine with it if we feel like we wind up a winner. For most of the world, this will be true. Particularly those who wealth and power has left behind. Part of the good news is that we are invited into the reversal. If we have resources, we can share them and give them. We can give comfort or a listening ear. We can...do many things in the Way of Christ. Jesus means to not only comfort us, but also to spur us into action. This sermon also makes clear that the "disciples" are not a closed group, but includes all who like working in the weakness of love (which actually overpowers).
Almighty God, you make the sun to shine on the evil and the good. Your wisdom is far beyond ours. Your ways shame the powerful and strong. Guide us to live in your truth and to share it in all ways with the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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