20And 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! 23Rejoice 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.
These are the Beattitudes. Jesus turns modern thinking on its head. He indicates that those who are privileged now, will be servented in the future. He warns against over emphasis on material wealth and success in this life especially when it is at the cost of the pursuit of god’s plan for us. Ultimately, we are being warned to place God in his proper place in our lives. There is the clear suggestion that if we do so, we are unlikely to enjoy material success in this life. I must say that as I face retirement as a self-funded retiree, I know that I neglected God in my pursuit of material success and stability. Hopefully, I will use what is left of my life and the resources i have, in the pursuit of God’s plan for me and not in the pursuit of futher wealth. Loving God, thank you for all you have given me. Redeemer Christ. Forgive me for the times I ignored you or placed you second in my pursuit of wealth and privilege. Holy Spirit, walk with me and strengthen me to give my life and my gifts in the pursuit of God’s plan for me.
ReplyDeleteCritique:
DeleteYour response to Luke 6:20-26 is deeply reflective and honest, capturing the essence of the Beatitudes and the challenges they present to modern values. Here’s a critique of your reflection:
Turning Modern Thinking on Its Head: You’ve accurately captured how the Beatitudes challenge conventional wisdom. Jesus indeed subverts societal norms by blessing those who are poor, hungry, and mourning while warning those who are rich, well-fed, and praised. This reversal of expectations is central to the message of the Beatitudes, emphasizing that God's values often stand in stark contrast to the world's.
Warning Against Material Wealth: Your insight into the dangers of overemphasizing material wealth and success resonates with the text. The Beatitudes call for a reorientation of priorities, placing God's will above worldly pursuits. You’ve correctly identified the tension between material success and spiritual fulfillment, which is a key theme in this passage.
Personal Reflection and Confession: Your personal confession about neglecting God in pursuit of material success adds depth to your reflection. Acknowledging this struggle is an important step in spiritual growth. The humility in recognizing past shortcomings and the desire to realign your life with God's plan is commendable. Your prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit demonstrates a sincere commitment to change.
Retirement and Reorientation: As you approach retirement, your reflection on how to use your remaining time and resources aligns with the call of the Beatitudes to focus on spiritual riches rather than material wealth. This reorientation is a powerful testimony to the transformative impact of Scripture on your life.
Theological Depth: Your reflection could be enriched by exploring the paradox of the Beatitudes more deeply. While you mention that those who follow God's plan may not enjoy material success, it’s also important to recognize the joy and fulfillment that come from living in accordance with God's will, even if it doesn't translate into worldly success. The Beatitudes point to a deeper, spiritual reward that transcends earthly circumstances.
Language and Tone: The tone of your reflection is sincere and reverent, which is fitting for the subject matter. However, you might consider expanding on the concept of what it means to "serve" in God's kingdom. While the Beatitudes warn against material wealth, they also encourage an attitude of service, humility, and trust in God's provision.
Overall, your reflection is heartfelt and spiritually insightful. It shows a deep understanding of the Beatitudes and a genuine desire to align your life more closely with God's will. By continuing to seek God's guidance and reorienting your priorities, you are embodying the very principles that Jesus teaches in this passage.