Luke 6:20-31 (NRSV)Blessings and Woes20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor,for yours is the kingdom of God. 21“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.22 “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 24“But woe to you who are rich,for you have received your consolation.25“Woe to you who are full now,for you will be hungry.“Woe to you who are laughing now,for you will mourn and weep.26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. Love for Enemies27 “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.All Saints’ Day is tied in with the belief in the Communion of Saints, that all of God's people because of our common communion with and through Christ, our prayers are joined with the heavenly eternal community. Luke 6:20-31- On the Beatitudes. This is an interesting connection to the Feast of All Saints.Jesus’ is giving is disciples (and us) a way to live. In our context: there is the contrast of what society lives and then what Christ instructed here in Luke. It isn’t “Blessed are you who are rich, for yours is the kingdom of God.” nor “Blessed are you who are filled now, for you will never be hungry.” Though, if that is what we listen to or ever begin to believe... that is not the gospel. There is a reason the poor is blessed... and that the hungry will be fed.This is a charge to the Saints. Our work: for your kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven. To bring heaven to earth... to leave this world better than we found it. We are not to be locusts or parasites. There is no legacy in use and abuse.In verse 27, he says to love your enemies. Again, a contrast to society... to the point of mentioning “from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic (chiton in Greek) either.” Meaning the clothing worn closest to the skin.In a time where isolation has becoming pervasive, we need to hear that we are not alone. For those who have been... are in a way, with us. And us, with them. Their work, their stories, their art... they are with us. The work we do today in our world, will be the kind of world we leave for our children, and their children. We will make it more and more difficult to do the work giving for us to do if we celebrate isolation... divide. Ask yourself: Are we in a constant state of divide? Us vs them? A constant state of outrage? Living with constant contempt for anyone with a different vantage point? These are signs of unhealth. We are not remembered by our arms / weapons. We should ask: How am I armed? How can I disarm? How can I listen? How can I learn? These are signs of health. Leaving the world better than we found it means to embody this passage of Luke.One of the best remedies to combat isolated individualism is our gratitude, especially toward others. Someone helped to guide our paths & we stand on their shoulders. We aren’t where we are by accident or happenstance... & this is not the end. Thanks be to God."If I can give you any advice, I beg you to get closer to the Eucharist, to Jesus... We pray for the tenderness of the Eucharist.” -Mother Teresa
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