Luke’s gospel this week does not mince words in his telling of the Beatitudes. Where Matthew says “Blessed are the poor in spirit”, Luke is more direct – “Blessed are the poor.” Matthew’s gospel seems to be more about attitudes while Luke is more about choice and action. The message is take care of the poor, take care of the hungry, take care of the weeping – or woe to you. In our first reading, we hear the message “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” and our Psalm tells us “blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” We have a choice to make not just about our attitudes but about our actions. If we trust in and follow the call of Jesus, we will find hope and salvation. Woe to those who choose another path.
As Vincentians, we recognize that the poor have much to offer us because they already recognize that trust in the Lord is all we have. We often see the generosity of the poor which is born out of humility and trust in God. They teach us not only how to receive but also how to give. Those who are suffering greatly are graced by God by His presence and faithfulness in their lives as He walks with them and shares in their pain. We have much to learn from the suffering when we come to them in humility, compassion and trusting in God to guide us. Do we come in true humility with trust and faith in God? Do we come with an open heart ready to learn from those we serve?
Father, help me to see your presence in those I minister to. Help me to embrace their pain and their crosses with them that I might be touched by their trust and faith in you. Help me to see their generosity to others so that I too might become more generous. Lord, walk with me as I walk with the poor, the hungry and the suffering. I pray all of this in your Son’s name. Amen
Deacon Mike