Paul's message of don't change your state in life because "the present form of this world is passing away" is to be seen in the context of an impending disaster. Paul is talking to his community in terms of preparedness, focus and most of all priority. Preparedness for the unknown event that could change everything about our life as we know it; focus on God who should be the absolute priority of every Christian. The Beatitudes, as found in Luke's Gospel today, are a perfect companion for the sentiments in Paul's letter. What are they calling us to be? Poor, hungry and excluded so that we will be assured of entering into the kingdom? Not quite. The message is more in terms of focus, and priority. This is especially evident in the second half of the Gospel reading where Jesus says "Woe to you." It is saying that "if riches are more important to you now, then you won't be ready for the kind of riches that God has to offer." It doesn't mean that to be poor is better than to be rich. Rather, it is to say that if being rich takes your focus away from God and the kingdom of heaven then you will not be ready. You may even miss the boat. It is one year since the devastating attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York City. Imagine listening to the teachings of Paul and Jesus in the light of such a devastating event.