Thursday, November 3, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 6:20–31

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (NRSV)

Reflection

I have been sitting with this passage, trying hard not to only focus on the idea that grief and hardship are temporary but to hear the whole passage, the reminder that everything is temporary. I kept remembering a scene from a Disney Channel Original Movie of my childhood. I don’t remember what the movie was about. In fact it took a Google search for me to remember what the movie was called. But at the end of the movie there is a scene where the protagonist, who is in a wheelchair, asks an angel if he would need his wheelchair in heaven. The angel gives the protagonist a glimpse at life in heaven, and everyone is in a wheelchair. While this was a cute scene in the movie, I will admit that the scene stuck with me—as someone who did not currently require a wheelchair—as being a raw deal.

It has caused me to think a lot about heaven. Is it a place where my worldly concerns are irrelevant? Remember those days where I used to worry about what to make for dinner, or if the work project was good enough? How cute those earthly struggles were. At the time I thought they were the end all be all, but in the grand scheme of things, so insignificant. Perhaps in heaven we will have the perspective to appreciate the hardships and grief and laugh at ourselves for being so excited about little things like money and clothing.

Prayer

God, help me to gain the perspective and understanding that to everything there is a season. Laughter will turn to grief and sorrow will turn to joy. Amen. 

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Ministry Program Manager  

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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