Luke 6:23
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
Readings for Sunday: Jeremiah, 1 Corinthians, Luke
Reflection:
In today’s Gospel, we hear the Beatitudes. One way to understand them is to see them as: how we are “to be.” Granted, beatitude is blessedness; to be blessed. Yet, we have to be open to receive God’s blessings, and so how “we are” is very much related to being blessed by God.
The Beatitudes show us that what God intends for us is very different than the attitudes conveyed by the world around us. Hence, Jesus says such seemingly crazy things like, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” However, the truth is that we are ultimately poor; all of creation is ultimately God’s and we only have temporary possession of the things of the earth. Furthermore, we are existentially poor: we did not create ourselves and we do not save ourselves. We receive everything as a gift from God. How are we “to be” before God? Humble and receptive to his gifts.
Additionally, when we “are” in relationship with God, then we will live differently than many in a world marked by sin. For that reason, Jesus says, “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.” It may not seem like we are blessed when people hate us, but to be united with Jesus, who himself was rejected by the world, is to have the greatest of all treasures.
Reflection Questions
- In Your Prayer Ask: What do I consider to be the greatest blessing(s) in my life? Are they material or spiritual? Do I consider Jesus to be the greatest treasure in my life?
- Reflect on This: What are my ultimate goals in life? Are the success, fame and power? Or are they virtue, holiness, and unity with Christ?
- Consider in quiet reflection: When I am struggling, poor, or disliked: do I consider that it may be, despite appearances, a blessing from God?