December 5, 2017 Tuesday

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.” Luke 6:20–26

            The Beatitudes should be a part of our preparation for Advent. Through the Beatitudes we see the danger of being full and of no longer being hungry as well as seeing ourselves as rich when we really are poor and in need.

Some will say the idea of being poor and rich has to do with money. But in reality what Jesus is talking about is those who feel spiritually rich and thus feel no need for God's grace. Those who feel they are full now and have no place for God in their lives.

Only when we see our need, our poverty, and we weep and grieve for the loss of our own soul do we understand our deep need for Jesus Christ. Only then can we understand the wonder and the majesty of what happened at Christmas. Only then can we understand that Christ came and took on our need, are poverty, are hungry, and our grief.

In this time of Advent take off your arrogance, your pride, and your sense of self ability and during Advent receive the gift of being poor. Receive the gift of being hungry for God. Receive the gift of being reviled and hated not for yourself but for the God whom you serve.

            I did not sleep well last night but awoke feeling rested.