In the first reading, Paul advises Christians to go about their everyday business in a manner different from that of the world. To be different one must be transformed interiorly. Such interior transformation is grounded on an awareness of the transitoriness of worldly things and our hope for an eternal life in Christ.

Jesus' "sermon on the plain" addresses his disciples. It is about blessings and woes which address the economic and social conditions of humanity. There are four pairs of blessings - woes aiming at the poor - the rich, the hungry - the satisfied, those grieving - those laughing, and the outcast - the socially acceptable.

The sermon, though addressing human conditions, is not an economic or social manifesto of Jesus. It is the good news to the poor, which is Jesus' mission of preaching.

The disciples, in their mission, are associated with the name of Jesus. Our lot is cast with Christ poor - the economically impoverished, those in need but are neglected, those in pain or sorrow, the marginalised and the outcast.

Our hope is in the promise that the present condition will be turned around in the future. God visits his poor.