Widows and Woes

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present an opportunity to contemplate our preparation for the end time and the degree to which our actions resonate with the Beatitudes as presented by Luke.

Blessings and Woes

The reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians exhorts us to make the most of the  Life that the Lord has assigned to us.

* [7:1–16] It seems that some Christians in Corinth were advocating asceticism in sexual matters. The pattern it is a good thing…, but occurs twice (1 Cor 7:1–2, 8–9; cf. 1 Cor 7:26), suggesting that in this matter as in others the Corinthians have seized upon a genuine value but are exaggerating or distorting it in some way. Once again Paul calls them to a more correct perspective and a better sense of their own limitations. The phrase it is a good thing (1 Cor 7:1) may have been the slogan of the ascetic party at Corinth. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 45 is an Ode for a Royal Wedding.

* [Psalm 45] A song for the Davidic king’s marriage to a foreign princess from Tyre in Phoenicia. The court poet sings (Ps 45:2, 18) of God’s choice of the king (Ps 45:3, 8), of his role in establishing divine rule (Ps 45:4–8), and of his splendor as he waits for his bride (Ps 45:9–10). The woman is to forget her own house when she becomes wife to the king (Ps 45:11–13). Her majestic beauty today is a sign of the future prosperity of the royal house (Ps 45:14–17). The Psalm was retained in the collection when there was no reigning king, and came to be applied to the king who was to come, the messiah. (Psalms, PSALM 45 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Sermon on the Plain declares Blessings and Woes.

* [6:20–49] Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” is the counterpart to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount” (Mt 5:1–7:27). It is addressed to the disciples of Jesus, and, like the sermon in Matthew, it begins with beatitudes (Lk 6:20–22) and ends with the parable of the two houses (Lk 6:46–49). Almost all the words of Jesus reported by Luke are found in Matthew’s version, but because Matthew includes sayings that were related to specifically Jewish Christian problems (e.g., Mt 5:17–20; 6:1–8, 16–18) that Luke did not find appropriate for his predominantly Gentile Christian audience, the “Sermon on the Mount” is considerably longer. Luke’s sermon may be outlined as follows: an introduction consisting of blessings and woes (Lk 6:20–26); the love of one’s enemies (Lk 6:27–36); the demands of loving one’s neighbor (Lk 6:37–42); good deeds as proof of one’s goodness (Lk 6:43–45); a parable illustrating the result of listening to and acting on the words of Jesus (Lk 6:46–49). At the core of the sermon is Jesus’ teaching on the love of one’s enemies (Lk 6:27–36) that has as its source of motivation God’s graciousness and compassion for all humanity (Lk 6:35–36) and Jesus’ teaching on the love of one’s neighbor (Lk 6:37–42) that is characterized by forgiveness and generosity.

* [6:20–26] The introductory portion of the sermon consists of blessings and woes that address the real economic and social conditions of humanity (the poor—the rich; the hungry—the satisfied; those grieving—those laughing; the outcast—the socially acceptable). By contrast, Matthew emphasizes the religious and spiritual values of disciples in the kingdom inaugurated by Jesus (“poor in spirit,” Mt 5:3; “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Mt 5:6). In the sermon, blessed extols the fortunate condition of persons who are favored with the blessings of God; the woes, addressed as they are to the disciples of Jesus, threaten God’s profound displeasure on those so blinded by their present fortunate situation that they do not recognize and appreciate the real values of God’s kingdom. In all the blessings and woes, the present condition of the persons addressed will be reversed in the future. (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney comments that, in the Gospel, Jesus says that the poor are blessed, and they will have their reward in heaven. But woe to the rich who have their consolation here already.

But I guess poor people can be selfish or angry or untruthful as much as the rich can. I think the point is in the choice of spiritual path. Those who have chosen to be poor, perhaps by being generous and charitable will have their reward in heaven for those choices. Those who choose hunger by sharing their food are blessed. Those who suffer because they follow Jesus, those who are persecuted because of their spiritual path, will get their reward in heaven. But those who are selfish and greedy – who are rich but do not share their wealth with those in need, those who eat and drink in excess while others starve at their door, who indulge with no compassion, woe to them. They laugh at others’ misfortunes, but they will not have salvation who have no compassion. (Whitney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus, though rich, became poor for us,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Blessed,' it says, 'are the poor.' Not all the poor are blessed, for poverty is neutral. The poor can be either good or evil, unless, perhaps, the blessed pauper is to be understood as he whom the prophet described, saying, 'A righteous poor man is better than a rich liar' (Proverbs 19:22). Blessed is the poor man who cried and whom the Lord heard (Psalm 34:6). Blessed is the man poor in offense. Blessed is the man poor in vices. Blessed is the poor man in whom the prince of this world (John 14:30) finds nothing. Blessed is the poor man who is like that poor Man who, although he was rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). Matthew fully revealed this when he said, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3). One poor in spirit is not puffed up, is not exalted in the mind of his own flesh. This beatitude is first, when I have laid aside every sin, and I have taken off all malice, and I am content with simplicity, destitute of evils. All that remains is that I regulate my conduct. For what good does it do me to lack worldly goods, unless I am meek and gentle?" (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.53-54) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:20-26 comments that it’s important to pay attention to the setting here. When he says, “Blessed are you who are poor,” Jesus is addressing his own disciples (Luke 6:20, emphasis added). He isn’t talking about the poor, he’s talking to them.

What about your life here and now? Maybe following Jesus has made you a little poorer as you are giving more away. Maybe you’re feeling a little less secure about your future or a little less comfortable living by the standards of the world. Take some time today to examine what your discipleship has cost you. But don’t stop there. Look also at all the blessings you’ve received over your life, blessings that only Jesus could have given you. He’s worth it all, isn’t he?

“Jesus, it truly is a blessing to be numbered among the people you call your very own!” (Meditation on Luke 6:20-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Paul is urging people to avoid sinning as the end of the world is expected. Resurrection was understood as a sign of the coming of the end times. Friar Jude reminds us that Luke presents the Beatitudes and the overturning of values is the usual Jewish style of blessings and curses.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Mennonite pastor Melissa Florer-Bixler who connects forgiveness and restorative justice.

We are asked to choose which world we want to live in—a world of retributive justice or a world of forgiveness. [Theologian] Karl Barth, reflecting on forgiveness, writes, “Living by forgiveness is never by any means passivity, but Christian living in full activity.” Barth writes that, when we finally come before God, we will not be asked to give an account of our piety or morality. Instead, we will be asked, “Did you live by grace, or did you set up gods for yourself and perhaps want to become one yourself?” [2]  

We can’t operate in both orders. And when the world of revenge enters the renewed creation, the order built on good news, it poisons the possibility of mutuality, transformation, and reconciliation. The way out of the endless loop of retribution is to recognize that forgiveness of individuals is interwoven with the social order of God’s reign. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder our preparation for the end times as we assess the relevance of the Beatitudes to our actions.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?20 

Meditation on Luke 6:20-26. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/11/1071010/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/7?25 

Psalms, PSALM 45 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/45?11 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Restorative Justice. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/restorative-justice/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep11 

Whitney, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091124.html 

Gifted for the Banquet

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, invite us to celebrate our invitation to the Banquet of Grace in the way that we show our gratitude and care in our daily activities.

Banquet and Gratitude

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans celebrates the Gifts and Marks of the True Christian.

* [12:6] Everyone has some gift that can be used for the benefit of the community. When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.

* [12:8] Over others: usually taken to mean “rule over” but possibly “serve as a patron.” Wealthier members in Greco-Roman communities were frequently asked to assist in public service projects. In view of the references to contributing in generosity and to acts of mercy, Paul may have in mind people like Phoebe (Rom 16:1–2), who is called a benefactor (or “patron”) because of the services she rendered to many Christians, including Paul. (Romans, CHAPTER 12, n.d.)

Psalm 131 is a Song of Quiet Trust.

* [Psalm 131] A song of trust, in which the psalmist gives up self-sufficiency (Ps 131:1), like a babe enjoying the comfort of its mother’s lap (Ps 131:2), thus providing a model for Israel’s faith (Ps 131:3). (Psalms, PSALM 131, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Great Dinner.

* [14:15–24] The parable of the great dinner is a further illustration of the rejection by Israel, God’s chosen people, of Jesus’ invitation to share in the banquet in the kingdom and the extension of the invitation to other Jews whose identification as the poor, crippled, blind, and lame (Lk 14:21) classifies them among those who recognize their need for salvation, and to Gentiles (Lk 14:23). A similar parable is found in Mt 22:1–10. (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock asks us to  look at the conflicts that emerge among our families and friends as perhaps rooted in our different gifts.  With a bit of grace and generosity could we appreciate another perspective? What would it take to extend an invitation to someone from the “highways and the hedgerows”? Could we dig deep to find shared values? 

Could we dig deep to find shared values?  How can we celebrate our cherished memories and work together to enjoy new experiences?  How can we accept an invitation that might initially feel inconvenient as we have so many demands on our time?  Can we set down some of our earthly burdens for a moment to hear the voice of God in one another?

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. (Brock, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who died for his faith under the Nazi persecution of Jews and Christians, and who contrasted cheap grace and costly grace.

"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves... the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance... grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate... Costly grace is the Gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." (Schwager, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The heavenly food of Jesus' word,” by Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD).

"The holy agape is the sublime and saving creation of the Lord... An agape is in reality heavenly food, a banquet of the Word. The agape, or love, 'bears all things, endures all things, hopes all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). 'Blessed is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God' (Luke 14:15). The most unlikely of all downfalls is charity that does not fail to be thrown down from heaven to earth among all these dainty seasonings. Do you still imagine that I refer to a meal that will be destroyed? (1 Corinthians 6:13) 'If I distribute my goods to the poor and do not have love,' Scripture says, 'I am nothing' (1 Corinthians 13:3). The whole law and the word depend on this love (Matthew 22:40). If you love the Lord your God and your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31), there will be a heavenly feast in heaven. The earthly feast, as we have proved from Scripture, is called a supper. It is permeated with love yet is not identified with it but is an expression of mutual and generous good will." (excerpt from CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2,1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 14:15-24 comments that like the host in today’s parable, Jesus is our generous host, and here’s what he says to us:

Come (Luke 14:17). You’ve received an invitation! Jesus has called you by name to be part of his banquet. He spreads his table before you, ready to bless you with his grace, strength, and love. Let the Holy Spirit stir your heart with excitement and gratitude for the invitation.

Everything is now ready (Luke 14:17). Jesus is always ready to meet you. He is never scrambling to find a place for you at his table. You are never an unexpected guest. Rather, he is waiting at the banquet, eager to greet you.

Don’t be like those half-hearted invitees in today’s parable! Jesus offers you something magnificent. He invites you into his presence to enjoy all that he has to offer. Today, as you pray, accept his invitation and come to his table.

“Lord Jesus, I give my heart to you. Make me ready to always say yes to you.” (Meditation on Luke 14:15-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler considers the possible parenesis that Paul offers the Romans after his proclamation of the gifts we have to build up the Kingdom. We respond to those who persecute us with the Love of God. Friar Jude reminds us of the attention of Luke to the anawim, the people who, but for the Grace of God, are not going to make it.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, quotes Karl Barth, (Church Dogmatics, 4.1) that “grace and gratitude belong together like heaven and earth. Grace evokes gratitude like the voice of an echo. Gratitude follows grace like thunder lightning.”  Author Anne Lamott writes of the natural movement of gratitude from our hearts in prayer to our lives in action.

How can something so simple be so profound, letting others go first, in traffic or in line at Starbucks, and even if no one cares or notices? Because for the most part, people won’t care—they’re late, they haven’t heard back from their new boyfriend, or they’re fixated on the stock market. And they won’t notice that you let them go ahead of you.

They take it as their due.

But you’ll know. And it can change your whole day, which could be a way to change your whole life. There really is only today, although luckily that is also the eternal now. And maybe one person in the car in the lane next to you or in line at the bank or at your kid’s baseball game will notice your casual generosity and will be touched, lifted, encouraged—in other words, slightly changed for the better—and later will let someone else go first. And this will be quantum.

The movement of grace toward gratitude brings us from the package of self-obsessed madness to a spiritual awakening. Gratitude is peace. (Rohr, 2023)

We are gifted with the ability to exercise the Word that gives life in the generosity and gratitude with which we relate to the people on our journey.

References

Brock, M. L. (2023, November 7). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110723.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14? 

Meditation on Luke 14:15-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/07/822887/ 

Psalms, PSALM 131. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/131? 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 7). Gratitude on the Move — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/gratitude-on-the-move/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 12. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/12? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Invitation to the King's Banquet Table. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov7