Today’s Gospel’s reading is taken from Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. Its counterpart is Matthew’s sermon on the Mount. Referred to as the Beatitudes, these words from Jesus are meant to usher in a new way of life for discipleship. They are not to be considered as rules or laws telling us what we should do. Rather, they tell us what we will be like if we truly live our lives in God’s kingdom. They invite us into a new joyful relationship with God. Today’s reading can be considered in two parts: “blessings” and “woes.” Those who are “blessed” are the hungry, poor, weeping in sorrow and outcasts of society. In their despair these are the blessed as they know and accept their need for Jesus. It is easy to agree these should be comforted and find God’s blessing. But then Jesus calls out “woe” to the rich, the comfortable, the happy. What are we to make of these unsettling words for our lives? We live in a country with adequate material resources. Most of us are generally happy and comfortable. What are we to do? Let us start by considering Jesus’ use of the word “woe” more as a warning or caution. He was not condemning out of hand those who fell into the “rich” category or those who were happy. Rather, Jesus was cautioning them how their easier, more comfortable lives can make them feel less open or dependent on Christ. Jesus was inviting his audience - just as He invites us today- to examine what is our greatest love? Where is our hope? What is our greatest priority? Do we find true joy by following Christ or do we allow our earthly possessions and priorities to block us from God’s love and mercy? May we be blessed to accept that earthly riches, powers and pleasures will never truly satisfy us. Only God’s grace can ever fill us up. Reflection by St. Catherine’s parishioner, Dale Gerber