Priorities

   “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” (Luke 6: 20)”

   The Beatitudes as Luke records them are much more direct than the language used in Matthews account (see Matt 5: 3-10).  They both, however, give us the same lesson.  In both Luke and Matthew these teachings were primarily directed to the Apostles but Jesus was aware of the crowds surrounding them.  Jesus often taught in a way that the crowds, and even the Apostles, didn’t initially understand.  Since they were with Him continuously, the Apostle’s could later ask Jesus to explain His teachings.  He would then explain them in depth.  This is evident in many of His parables.  The Apostle’s needed full understanding so that they could pass on His teachings as they spread the Gospel throughout the world.

   The Beatitudes speak to priorities in life.  In this first Beatitude I believe that Jesus was telling us that our financial standing should not be our focus.  If we are poor, we are still to acknowledge the goodness of God and seek Him.  If we are rich, we are to recognize that our wealth is a blessing of God and give thanks for that blessing.

   He goes on further to say, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”  (Luke 6: 24).  I think He was speaking to those with an overwhelming concern for wealth rather than condemning all who were rich.  Again, the priority placed on wealth is the key, not the wealth itself.

   If you had the opportunity to work extra hours on Sunday and receive triple the normal wage, would you?  What if doing so meant that you would be unable to attend Mass at all that week, would you still do it?  What if refusing meant losing a promotion, would you then be willing to sacrifice Mass?  This, I think, is what Jesus is teaching us in this lesson.  Our relationship with God is to be our highest priority.  Nothing should be prized above Him.

   “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”  (Mark 8: 36)