13 September, 2023 | Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel - Luke 6:20-26

Try to live the Beatitudes practically....

Gospel Text:

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:

"Blessed are you who are poor,

for the Kingdom of God is yours.

Blessed are you who are now hungry,

for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who are now weeping,

for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,

and when they exclude and insult you,

and denounce your name as evil

on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!

Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.

For their ancestors treated the prophets

in the same way.

But woe to you who are rich,

for you have received your consolation.

But woe to you who are filled now,

for you will be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now,

for you will grieve and weep.

Woe to you when all speak well of you,

for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way."

Reflections:

Jesus showed a special compassion and favour towards those who were distressed and vulnerable, extending mercy to the poorest and most humiliated. It is often during times of need, desperation, poverty, hunger and sadness that people seek God the most. In our moments of weakness, we become more reliant on God's transforming and life-giving presence, which becomes a source of strength and comfort. The Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount; they provide a profound teaching for our Christian living. They encourage us to embody qualities like humility, compassion, righteousness and a commitment to peace-making in our daily lives. By practising these virtues, one can experience spiritual transformation and become recipients of divine blessings.

Activity:

 Show compassion and empathy towards one person  who is c suffering or experiencing hardship