1st Reading: 1 Cor 7:25–31

Gospel: Lk 6:20–26
Lifting up his eyes to his disciples, Jesus said,
“Fortunate are you who are poor, the kingdom of God is yours.
Fortunate are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
“Fortunate are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
“Fortunate are you when people hate you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. Remember that is how the ancestors of this people treated the prophets.
“But alas for you who have wealth, for you have been comforted now.
“Alas for you who are full, for you will go hungry.
“Alas for you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
“Alas for you when people speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of these people treated the false prophets.”

Commentary
St. Luke’s version of the beatitudes in­cludes four tidings of woe for those who are wealthy, satiated, laughing and spoken well of. Earthly success does not mean eternal happiness. On the contrary, those who possess in abundance in this life can find themselves with no place in their hearts for the riches of the Lord. Wanting for nothing can mean having no place for Jesus.
Jesus challenges us to think of ourselves as being fortunate only when we have need of His love, grace and presence in our lives. It is when we desire nothing more than the Lord that we have found true and lasting riches.
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