September 11, 2019

Gospel: Luke 6:20-26
Then, looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Fortunate are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.
Fortunate are you, who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Fortunate are you, who weep now, for you will laugh. Fortunate are you, when people hate you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. Remember, that is how the ancestors of the people treated the prophets.
But alas for you, who have wealth, for you have been comforted now. Alas for you, who are full, for you will go hungry. Alas for you, who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Alas for you, when people speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of the people treated the false prophets.

Reflections
“Fortunate are you who are poor.”
The first thing that comes to mind when we encounter the word “poor” are the people con- sidered as economically or ma- terially needy and those who are disadvantaged. However, in the gospel passage that is not the case, although it is not ruled out: “‘The poor’ are all whose empti- ness and destitution provide scope for the generosity of God” (Brendan Byrne). Their condition creates the opportunity so that divine goodness could operate in their lives. The situation might in- clude a deep feeling of emptiness, uncertainty and hopelessness. No one is exempted from these kinds of feeling regardless of economic and social status. In situations where the prevailing feeling is that of emptiness and destitu- tion, one is invited to open up to the power of God and to receive his generosity. He/she could find comfort in the encounter with God, which could subsequently lead to the unfolding of a new world of hope and opportunities.
There are conditions that help the human heart open up to God’s power and goodness. Unbelief, arrogance, and self- conceit shuts its door and cancels out space for divine occupancy. It is the thought that any external power, or influence, makes any contribution. Outside factors (or the God-factor) are simply out of the picture.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2019