The beatitudes in Luke's Gospel focus on God's favour towards the poor, the 'anawim' who trust in God, and in particular those who are hungry. The focus is also on those who are grief-striken because of oppression; those persecuted because of Jesus. These beatitudes are in contrast to the woes - the rich who use wealth for themselves only; the well-fed who are satisfied with food and refuse to serve God in the hungry and thirsty; their lives are characterised by evil, boastfulness and self-satisfaction.

These beatitudes and woes call for a change in attitudes and relationships with others in society. So we are challenged by them and are called to practise justice and equality in all our relationships thus contributing towards the remaking of the face of the earth. In today's materialistic and consumeristic society we are also challenged not to be slaves of material wealth, fame, status and power. These prevent God from penetrating into our hearts and we thus become self-centered and individualistic.

This is emphasised in the first reading where Paul said, "let your thoughts be on heavenly things and not on things that are on the earth". He alerted us to that which prevents us from becoming a new 'self' progressing towards true knowledge and Christ because "he is everything" for us.