Gospel Delights!

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Col 3:1-11; Lk 6:20-26

The Beatitudes in today’s gospel from Luke declare the Divine Agenda for the marginalized and suffering. 

The reversal of fortune that Jesus hints at is not a condemnatory message against those who are fortunate. In Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes, we find Jesus saying, ‘Blessed are you poor in spirit.’ Hence, it does not blindly condemn people who are more privileged than others. 

The message of Jesus is to strengthen the hopes of the poor and marginalized. It is intended for those who only have God to depend on as their final refuge. Unlike the rich, they have no economic, social, or cultural capital to lean on. Hence, it is in favor of those who feel powerless, victimized, and marginalized that Jesus proclaims the Good News of ‘reversal’ as the Divine Agenda. Jesus’ message is God’s preferential love for those who have been made to suffer and endure adversity of every kind. However, on a note of caution, we can assume that the message of condemnation against the privileged is not or will not be binding as long as their fortunateness helps them praise and love God and enables them to act in favor of suffering humanity as a result of loving God. 

In the end, Jesus leaves us with the assurance that whatever good we do in God’s name will procure its reward. Here, reward need not be understood in worldly terms. The blessedness that the saints and martyrs shared will be ours too, if we carry out the good work in God’s name tireless and undaunted.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar