Today's Gospel reading refers to the 'Beatitudes'. Compared with Matthew's Gospel, Luke has only 4. The Beatitudes (vs. 20-23) and the curses or woes (Vs. 24-26) challenge us to examine our attitude and relationships. From these Beatitudes, we see God's plan of justice and equality which are contrary to what we experience in our society. They also reflect God's promises (Is. 35:3-4) where He will give us power to bring about changes in the world. However this requires openness and trust in God's power and His preferential option for the weak and oppressed in our society.
This is why in vs. 24-26, Jesus reminds us that we should not work only for material wealth, fame and position in life. Otherwise we will have no space for God in our hearts. Thus charity or love for the weak in society will no longer be in our vocabulary of life.
The first reading reiterates the same message and Paul gave the general rules of Christian behaviour i.e. to look for heavenly things and not what belongs to earthly life. Ultimately we are to embrace a new life which will reflect Christian values particularly 'love' including compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness and that everyone as child of God is to be treated as equal for Christ is in all. What is our response to these challenges?
"Lord, grant us the spirit of Love in all our actions and relationships so that we will be Your true witnesses."