Jesus preached two sermons (Beatitudes) that are quite similar in different places and times.Matthew’s Gospel has nine beatitudes and no woes; Luke’s Gospel (LK 6:20-26) has four of each – four beatitudes and four woes.
Luke compares that it is the poor, the hungry, the weeping and the persecuted who are blessed or happy.Woe or alas for those who are rich, full, joyful and popular. What is the meaning of “blessed”? Beatitude means perfect, blessedness or happiness.
All the qualifying factors mentioned in Luke’s Beatitudes – poverty, hunger, weeping, hatred – are all misfortunes. These attitudes, beatitudes are for living and they are not easy to practice in life. We have to make the choice of trusting in ourselves and in trusting in the Lord and His ways. If we trust only in ourselves, our lives will be as unrewarding and unfruitful. In God alone is our faith and trust. In God alone is our hope and our final happiness.
Our life in this world is only a passing moment; the full and the final will only come after this life is over. Were do I put my trust?
“Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord!”
No comments:
Post a Comment