February 16 - Woe is me

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021625.cfm

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash

This week, Jesus begins his almost famous Sermon on the Plain, Luke's version of the Sermon on the Mount. A unique feature of this episode in Luke is that he pairs blessings with woes. As I discussed this in my weekly Bible studies, most agreed that we were probably less aligned with the blessed (poor, hungry, weeping, hated) and more aligned with the 'woe to you' group (rich, filled, laughing, spoken well of). 

If this is true for you, it might be a bit unsettling. St. Paul has this advice from 1 Timothy 6:17 "Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life." 

Generous and ready to share. Doesn't seem complicated, but it might take a little focus, a little intentionality, a little prayer. We might need help setting aside those comforts we have become used to, whether that is little unnecessary luxuries, or the comfort of not getting out of our routines, or not having our day interrupted by the needs of others. Pray that you will see the opportunities to be generous - and have the courage to act on them.