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Today’s Gospel Text: And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24 "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Luke 6:20-26

Reflection: The beatitudes are an interesting piece of instructions to believe in. There are many who love these words of Jesus and have found great solace by believing in it.

Many have written reflections, including some great men of history, and interpreted these beatitudes and found great wisdom in the saying of Jesus.

One shouldn’t forget that the beatitudes are no magical formulations but contain great wisdom and truth, reaching even transcendental levels of assurances.

But the best aspect of the beatitudes which can be easily forgotten is that the beatitudes are proclamations of Christ and they cannot be separated from him nor put into practice apart from him.

Since they come from the mouth of Christ, they finds its complete meaning through him, with him and in him. It is proclaimed by the Lord who says: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jn. 15:5

Hence anyone seeking to elaborate on it or practice it apart from his assistance and grace are self-conceited fools, who don’t need a God to save them because they are heading towards destruction.

Some of these instructions are impossible to put into practice by the many, but not without the Lord’s help, who assures us; “…but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

They are also not open to free interpretation and human judgments; for God the knower of all hearts is the one who is going to judge the world, on the basis of what he has proclaimed to us through his Son.

As with God's choice, who begins with the poor, so too the beatitude starts well with an invitation to those who acknowledge their poverty and weakness, those who manifest this poverty in the light of the only riches they in faith see and which is real and lasting; viz. the richness of God.

Prayer:  Lord, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. May I never depart from you and what.you have to teach me. (cfr. Col 2:3)

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