Lk 6:20-26
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Grace Prayed For
The Grace of Detachment from Worldly Values: Pray for the wisdom to discern the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures and accolades. Ask for the grace to resist the temptation to find your fulfillment in worldly things and to prioritize the eternal values of God’s kingdom.
The Upside-Down Kingdom
In this powerful passage, Jesus turns conventional wisdom on its head, proclaiming blessings on those the world often overlooks and warnings for those the world often admires. This “upside-down” kingdom challenges us to reevaluate our values and priorities in light of God’s eternal perspective.
- Blessed are the Poor: This doesn’t just refer to material poverty, but also to those who recognize their spiritual need and dependence on God. It’s a call to humility and detachment from worldly possessions, opening our hearts to receive the true riches of God’s kingdom.
- Blessed are the Hungry and Weeping: Jesus blesses those who yearn for righteousness and mourn over the brokenness of the world. It’s an invitation to embrace a holy discontentment with the status quo and to actively seek God’s transformative power in our lives and in the world.
- Blessed are the Persecuted: Jesus assures those who suffer for their faith that their reward will be great in heaven. It’s a reminder that true discipleship may come at a cost, but that our ultimate allegiance is to God, not to the approval of the world.
- Woe to the Rich, Full, and Popular: Jesus warns those who find their fulfillment in worldly wealth, pleasure, and acclaim. It’s a caution against complacency and a call to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly satisfactions.
Questions for Reflection:
- In what ways am I “poor in spirit,” recognizing my need for God?
- How can I cultivate a hunger and thirst for righteousness in my life?
- Am I willing to stand up for my faith, even if it means facing rejection or persecution?
- Where might I be tempted to find my fulfillment in worldly things rather than in God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to embrace the values of Your upside-down kingdom. Give me a heart that is humble, hungry for righteousness, and courageous in the face of opposition. May I find my true fulfillment in You and Your eternal promises. Amen.
Remember: The world’s standards are not God’s standards. May this reflection inspire you to seek the blessings of God’s kingdom, even if it means challenging the prevailing norms of society. True joy and fulfillment are found not in worldly success, but in aligning our lives with the values of Christ.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Shifting Perspective: The Beatitudes and woes present a stark contrast to worldly values. By reflecting on these teachings, you’re invited to examine your own heart and identify areas where you might be placing too much emphasis on material possessions, comfort, or the approval of others. This self-reflection can deepen your understanding of Jesus’ call to a life of radical discipleship and lead you to a more authentic relationship with Him.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post