Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

4 BLESSINGS AND 4 WOES ++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Today we hear St Lk’s version of the Beatitudes

Ø His recollection of them is different from St Matt’s because, instead of having 8 blessings, Luke contrasts 4 blessings with 4 woes

Ø The contrast helps to highlight what the Beatitudes are all about

BLESSED VERSUS HAPPY +++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø It is more accurate to translate the first word of the Beatitudes as “blessed”instead of “happy”

Ø That is to say, those who are “blessed” may not be “happy”right now, but are no less blessed

THE Q&A STRUCTURE OF THE 4 ++++++++++++++++++

Ø (Poor) They may not be emotionally, physically, or materially satisfied…

Ø But their “blessedness” is in a lack of material things that may help them focus more on God

Ø (Hungry) They may have little food…

Ø But their “blessedness” may be in the longing the spiritual nourishment only G can give

Ø (Weeping) They may be sad because of circumstances in their lives or the impact of their own shortcomings…

Ø But they are able by God’s grace to lift themselves out of the ashes, dry their tears, and begin again

Ø (Hated) R those who place faithfulness 2 God above a good time or being well thought of by others…

Ø But they are true to themselves & the blessedness that offers

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø In summary, those who R “blessed”may not be seen as fortunate in terms of the here and now…

Ø But in addition to the blessedness they may experience today, their situation will also someday be reversed & they’ll be rewarded in heaven

Ø In contrast, those who seem so well off right now may nottruly be “blessed” and 1 day their situation will be reversed in heaven

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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