Scripture:
Luke 6:20-26 (English Standard Version)
The Beatitudes
20And(A) he lifted up his eyes on his disciples,(B) and said:
"Blessed are you who are poor, for(C) yours is the kingdom of God.
21(D) "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.
(E) "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
22"Blessed are you when(F) people hate you and when they(G) exclude you and revile you and(H) spurn your name as evil,(I) on account of the Son of Man! 23(J) Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for(K) so their fathers did to the prophets.
Jesus Pronounces Woes 24(L) "But woe to you who are rich,(M) for you(N) have received your consolation.
25"Woe to you who are full now, for(O) you shall be hungry.
"Woe to(P) you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
26"Woe to you,(Q) when all people speak well of you, for(R) so their fathers did to(S) the false prophets.
Cross references:
Luke 6:20 : John 6:5
Luke 6:20 : For Luke 6:20-23, Matt 5:3-12
Luke 6:20 : Luke 12:32
Luke 6:21 : Luke 1:53
Luke 6:21 : Isa 25:8; 57:18; Matt 5:4
Luke 6:22 : Matt 10:22
Luke 6:22 : John 9:22; 12:42; 16:2
Luke 6:22 : Heb 11:26; 1 Pet 4:14
Luke 6:22 : John 15:21
Luke 6:23 : Matt 5:12
Luke 6:23 : Matt 21:35
Luke 6:24 : Amos 6:1; James 5:1; Luke 12:21
Luke 6:24 : Luke 16:25
Luke 6:24 : Matt 6:2
Luke 6:25 : Isa 65:13
Luke 6:25 : Isa 65:14; Prov 14:13; James 4:9
Luke 6:26 : John 15:19; 17:14; James 4:4; 1 John 4:5
Luke 6:26 : Jer 5:31; Isa 30:10; Mic 2:11
Luke 6:26 : Matt 7:15
Reflection:
What is the true source of joy and happiness that so many find elusive? Jesus begins his teaching on the way of the kingdom of heaven by addressing the issue of where true happiness is found. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus' way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within -- a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift of the Holy Spirit. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures. Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will.
No comments:
Post a Comment