There was in my grandmother’s farmhouse an uncomfortable chair. No matter how you squirmed or re-arranged yourself in it, it never seemed to offer you the fullness of getting into a satisfying position. It seemed specifically designed by the carpenter to make sure you could never relax.
I get that same feeling from this week’s gospel reading. No matter how I squirm or re-arrange myself or soften it up with cushions from other parts of the Bible, it still prods me like a bony elbow.
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.
What does Jesus say? It is pretty simple. He tells us who has “blessing”, who has “woe”. This is not my idea of blessing and woe, and not your idea of blessing and woe, or the world’s idea of blessing and woe. This is Jesus’ idea of blessing and woe. And so we should listen.
I think my blogging for the week is planned out: a blessing and a woe every day until Sunday. At which time sol café will be gathering again after the field trip (and yes, we always use real wine).
Our response to that passage is too often, "whew, I'm glad I'm not rich".
Posted by: Matt | February 06, 2007 at 01:26 PM
I would have responded earlier, but I had to let my Pinot Noir breathe.
Posted by: joseph | February 06, 2007 at 10:51 PM