23rd Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 9th September 2020 — Gospel: Lk 6,20-26
Blessings for awareness and repentance
Jesus’ sermon on the plain sets out the basic ethical standards for those who choose to live within the community Jesus is establishing. Declaring someone “blessed” is common throughout the Scriptures. Here “blessed” refers to being aware in the present of having a place in God’s kingdom in the future. The promise is inaugurated here and now, but it will reach its total fulfillment for those who remain united and identified with Jesus. To be “blessed” does not mean an absence of struggle, but to live through such opposition being aware that the struggle is temporary. Those who are “blessed” both trust in God and in God’s future, in their hope of justice. The designation refers to a sense of inner happiness, good fortune and peace. In Scripture, the woes warn of danger and the nearness of God’s judgment. “Woe” means condemnation. It is an exclamation of anguish and pity for the misfortune that awaits a person in a certain condition. The woeful are those who have forgotten that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The woeful may not experience apparent discomfort during this life. Here “woes” serve as a warning and call to repentance for those who are tempted to trust too greatly in wealth, possessions, comfort and fame than God’s highest purposes. Condemnation awaits those who do not repent. Note, Jesus compares the blessed ones with the ancient prophets of Israel, while comparing the condemned ones to the false prophets.
