Sunday, March 2, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Luke 6:17–26

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

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.” (NRSV)

Reflection

There are parts of the Bible that are more tempting than others to take literally. This passage is one of them. Look at the people who came from all over just to touch Jesus and be healed. Surely there’s healing for me, too, if only I do the “correct thing”! And thank God (literally) that my hunger and weeping is blessed because there is some sort of redemption in suffering. As for the rich (who are defined as people with more resources than me) — enjoy now because your time of retribution is coming. Woe and whoa.

But my question is when. When exactly are these things going to happen? When will folks who are food insecure be able to eat their fill? When are the people who are hated and excluded going to be welcome at the table? When? Do folks have to wait until heaven to experience that which you describe? There are times when my prayers to God are more “charged” than others — usually about timing.

As for the “woe section,” it is more of a warning than a pronouncement. If I read the “woes” as a warning to me, maybe I want more time to turn things around. Am I full at the expense of someone else? Is my happiness or obliviousness causing others to weep? What is my part in this system? I wish a simple “touch” of Jesus could instantly solve this for me, but in my experience, it takes time and intentionality.

Prayer
God, I know your promises are true even when the timing doesn’t suit me. Give me a drive to work towards your good. Give me rest to know that it’s not all up to me. Help me to intentionally follow your Way. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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