Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 6:20-26

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 on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated 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 how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Reflection

Luke’s version of the Beatitudes focuses on the materially poor, hungry, and sorrowful, promising them blessings and rewards in heaven. God’s values are often contrary to worldly values. It inspires us to find hope and strength in our hardships, trusting that God sees our struggles and will ultimately bring justice and blessing to those who remain faithful in difficult times.

The contrasting “woes” directed at the rich, well-fed, and those who are praised by others serve as a stark warning about the dangers of complacency and self-indulgence. This challenges us to reflect on our own lives and priorities, encouraging us to use our resources and privileges to serve others and to live in a way that aligns with the values of God’s kingdom. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes from generosity and compassion, not from accumulating wealth or seeking human approval.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

To the preacher who kept saying, ‘We must put God in our lives,’ the Master said, ‘God is already there. Our business is to recognise this.’

– Anthony de Mello SJ

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.