of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
WEEK TWENTY THREE – WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 THE BLESSINGS AND WOES (LK 6:20-26)

WEEK TWENTY THREE – WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 THE BLESSINGS AND WOES (LK 6:20-26)

Prayer – O Jesus, gather me on your right side, making me a blessed member of your Kingdom.
Imagination- (Picture Jesus teaching his disciples)
Context:
After choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus comes down “to a level place” where there are many more disciples and crowds from various places. Seemingly ignoring the crowds, Jesus speaks to the apostles and his disciples.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
When Jesus came down the mountain to a level space, there were many disciples and crowds from different areas. He raised his eyes to his disciples and said,
“Blessed are you poor for yours is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men shall hate you, ostracize you, insult you and see you as evil, for your reward will be great in heaven.
This is the very way they treated the prophets.
But woe to you rich, for your consolation is now.
Woe to you who are filled, for you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
Woe to you when men bless you, for this is how your fathers treated the false prophets.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
1. The contrasts are stark. Jesus compares the poor, the hungering, the weeping and the persecuted with the rich, the well-fed, the rejoicing and the well accepted.
2. When the Kingdom is manifested, everyone’s condition will change. This is the “great reversal”.
3. Jesus highlights that being poor, hungry, mourning and persecuted will last only for a time.
4. Being in heaven, being filled, rejoicing and being welcomed, will last forever.
5. Jesus’ words console his disciples because they will face gigantic troubles.
6. He cannot change their situation. He can only say, “It is for now”. When these sufferings are over, he will bless them forever.
7. What a mistake to choose to be rich, well-fed, and well-accepted and to lose eternal life.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
1. O Jesus, help me to seek heaven and heavenly rewards.
2. Give me patience and faith in my earthly trials.
3. Jesus, you will change everything. This is your promise.
4. Help me with all of my decisions. Do not let me lose eternal life for earthly comforts.
5. O Lord, I do not need the world’s approval if I have yours.
6. How many mistakes I have made, but no more. I am yours, Lord Jesus.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
1. By faith, I will see my trials as doors to the Kingdom.
2. I will patiently accept my sufferings, and be a true disciple.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)
Your reward will be great in heaven.