A reading according to the holy Gospel Luke 6:6-11
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. 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. "Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way."
REFLECTION: "your reward will be great in heaven".
"You will never be happy if your happiness depends on getting solely what you want. Change the focus. Get a new center. Will what God wills, and your joy no man shall take from you. " Venerable Fulton Sheen
"Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.” This beatitude is the basis of all the others. This one guarantees your destination--"Your reward will be great in heaven". To empty ourselves of all possessions makes us realize that we are thirsty, hungry and in need of God's Word. We are totally dependent on God for our future.
The wealthy are asked to cry for the mistreated, the sufferings of others and to be of service to others. When we place our hearts in God's Glory we are able to distance ourselves from the riches of the world and to share our gifts with others.
Less we fail our destination, may we strive for poverty of spirit--not be greedy but in all things be humble and joyful in the Lord.
God Bless
