Reading: Luke 6:17-26
Reflection: Luke’s Gospel does not spiritualize the Beatitudes quite like Matthew’s does. Matthew’s version is longer and can be seen as less directly subversive toward the power-structures of Jesus’ day. In Luke, Jesus does not mince his words. The Beatitudes are short, direct, and challenging – including both blessings on the poor, the hungry and the weeping, and woes on the wealthy, the prosperous, and the laughing.
The point of the Beatitudes is not to give us categories by which to judge or celebrate others. Nor are they meant to be a set of rules for us to follow. They are a window into God’s values and priorities. In Jesus’ day those who were poor, hungry, and weeping were considered to be cursed by God, and those who were wealthy, prosperous, and laughing were considered to be blessed. Jesus turns that value system upside down and shows that God is on the side of those who suffer. It’s not that God is against the wealthy per se. But in God’s eyes, there is a responsibility on the wealthy to care for the poor.
We can choose to follow society’s values, placing greater value on those with higher net worth and greater outward “happiness”, or we can follow God’s values, placing a proper value on the poor, the humble, and the grieving. This is not about some people being better than others. It is about recognizing that when we priorities caring for ‘the least’ our whole world becomes kinder, and we all enjoy greater security, equality, and peace. What do these values mean for you today? How can you embrace God’s values more intentionally?
Practice for Today: Nothing reveals our values more than what we do with our money, and how we view those who have lots of money. When we give preference to the rich, and when we use our money purely for our own benefit, we reveal that we embrace society’s values. When we treat all people with equal dignity and respect, and when we are generous with our resources, we embrace God’s values. Today, find opportunities to be generous, and to treat all people with dignity and respect.
Prayer for Today: Teach me to embrace your values and treat all people as your children, O God.
Communion with Christ