The Lord Watches Over the Way of the Righteous: Jer 17:5-8; 1 Cor 15:12,16-20; Lk 6:17,20-26 (6 C)

 

The Lord Watches Over the Way of the Righteous

Jer 17:5-8; 1 Cor 15:12,16-20; Lk 6:17,20-26 (6 C)

“We proclaim Christ on the cross, Christ who is the power of God” (Divine Office)

The beginning of the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke is similar to Matthew 5:1-7,11 the Sermon on the Mount. These titles suggest differences and similarities between these Gospel readings. The Beatitudes in Luke’s Gospel sound more personal than those in Matthew’s Gospel. Luke uses the pronoun “you” whereas Matthew uses “they” or “those.” There is also a difference in number. Matthew describes eight beatitudes, and Luke presents just four presenting a parallel warning.

The form of the Beatitudes in the Gospels is not a unique teaching of Jesus. Beatitudes are also found in the Old Testament, such as in the Psalms and Wisdom literature. Today’s responsorial Psalm offers the idea of the “two ways” – Happy the man who follows the law of the Lord not of the wicked. The prophets warned about social justice and sharing: “Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field until everything belongs to them. Woe to those who from the early morning chase after strong drinks and stay up late at night inflamed with wine. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who substitute darkness for light. Woe to those who for a bribe acquit the guilty and cheat the good man of his due” (Is 5:8-23).  All these are just as relevant today as when the prophets first proclaimed them.

The concept of “Two Ways” – “good and evil” deeply influenced the early Church. Jesus' way of happiness demands a transformation from within - a conversion of heart and mind through the working of the Holy Spirit. How can one 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. St. Ambrose an early church father (Milan) links the beatitudes with the four cardinal virtues which strengthen our moral excellence. They are temperance, justice, prudence, and fortitude. They are poor in spirit, submissive, and tranquil. They are just giving away their goods. They do not trap neighbors. These virtues are interwoven and interlinked. Thus, temperance has purity of heart and spirit, justice has compassion, patience has peace, and endurance has gentleness.

How often do we hear optimistic news about the progressive recovery of the economy of the poor? Economic growth in the developed world often masks the gulf between the better and the without work or future in this macroeconomic system! The provocative system of consumerism clashes with the misery and insecurity of so many. Such was denounced by St John Paul II who said, “…function almost automatically, making more rigid the situations of wealth for some and of poverty for others.” In his Gospel-based encyclical “Sollicitudo Rei Socialis” (The Social Concern), he called such a situation sinful. His teachings reflect still today as the AI that engulfs the existence of humanity. Bringing AI to consciousness by misuse of God-given intelligence calls to reflect God’s reaction to the Tower of Babel!

In his “Fides et Ratio” (Faith and Reason), St John Paul II said, “It is faith which stirs reason to move beyond all isolation and willingly to run risks so that it may attain whatever is beautiful, good and true for humanity.” Jesus’ message isn’t born out of the powerlessness of cast-aside and resentful people, but out of his intense vision of God’s justice that can’t allow the final triumph of injustice. Jesus’ word keeps being decisive for the rich and the poor. Word of denouncing and encouragement is alive and challenges us all.

 

The Beatitudes are the faithful and prayerful. They are like trees that stretch their roots to the underground waters (Ps 1:1) which is God. They are dependent upon God and feel serene. Dependence upon God is not a sign of weakness rather it keeps them in contact with a never-ending source of strength.

“...for what this world considers to be wisdom is nonsense in God’s sight” (Divine Office)