This weekend, we hear about Jesus’ teachings on the Beatitudes. We will immediately notice that Luke’s version is different from that of Matthew. And one of the reasons is the nature or the composition of the community to whom the gospel was written. Matthew writes for a more Jewish community thus depicting Jesus as the new Moses, the Lawgiver while Luke, a gentile convert emphasizes the universality of God’s love.

Luke has both the “blesseds” and the “woes.” This does not mean, however, that Jesus is favoring one from the other. Jesus is not condemning the rich nor saying that to be poor is better. Rather, the Lucan Jesus wants his listeners to acknowledge that everything is a gift from God. Everything is total grace. Because of that, we are all blessed. Our being blessed does not depend on what we have. It all depends on our relationship with God. Luke wants us to know that at the very core of our spirituality is that relationship. Without that relationship, our life is meaningless.

This gospel story comes to us at a very opportune time. We have been so preoccupied about many things like the pandemic and how it has affected and altered our daily life. Perhaps the global and national issues have left many wondering what’s next. Some of us have become fearful and disturbed. The Beatitudes, more than ever, are a reminder for us to re-focus and renew our relationship with the Lord. To look and ask what is truly important in our life.

Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor and woe to those who are rich.” This reminds us that what truly matters is to have a trusting relationship with God. God is in control of everything. No matter how chaotic our lives can be, the Spirit continues to be alive and present – guiding each one of us. In the midst of the uproar, we can continue to listen and be aware of the promptings of the Spirit. But we can only do that if we are willing to shift our focus to spend more time in what is essential for our spiritual lives – like prayer.

In prayer, we surrender ourselves to the guidance of God. We recognize our nothingness, our dependence, our need for God’s wisdom, strength, forgiveness and love. We become fully aware of who we are – beloved sons and daughters of God.

Let’s us take time to ponder on Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Savor its words. Listen patiently – for God constantly reveals how blessed we are.