Micro Homily Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Gospel: Luke 6:17-26


Micro Homily Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Gospel: Luke 6:17-26
16 February 2025

Luke 6:17-26

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 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. "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. "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. "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

Dear Folks,

Today we turn our hearts to those profound pronouncements of Jesus, the Beatitudes. These aren't just nice sayings, comfortable platitudes. They are a radical re-imagining of what it means to live a life pleasing to God, a blueprint for true and lasting happiness. They turn our world upside down, challenging our assumptions about power, success, and even what it means to be blessed.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This isn't about material poverty, though that is a reality for many and a cause for our compassion. This poverty of spirit is about recognizing our dependence on God. It's about humility, acknowledging that we don't have all the answers, that we need God's grace and guidance. When we are poor in spirit, we open ourselves to receive the true riches, the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Mourning is a part of the human experience. We mourn loss, we mourn brokenness, we mourn the state of the world. But in our mourning, we are not abandoned. God promises comfort, not necessarily the removal of our pain, but the presence of His love and the hope of healing. In our vulnerability, we find strength in God.

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Meekness is not weakness. It's controlled strength, power under restraint. It's about gentleness, humility, and a willingness to yield, not out of fear, but out of love. The meek are not doormats. They are those who choose peace over aggression, who build bridges instead of walls. They inherit the earth, not through force, but through their quiet strength and their commitment to justice.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This is a deep longing, a yearning for justice, for what is right and good. It's not just about following rules, but about a burning desire for a world that reflects God's love and compassion. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we align ourselves with God's purpose, and He promises to fill us, to satisfy that deep longing.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Mercy is not just forgiveness. It's compassion, empathy, understanding. It's recognizing the humanity in others, even when they have wronged us. When we extend mercy, we open ourselves to receive it. It's a beautiful cycle of grace.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Purity of heart is about integrity, sincerity, and a single-minded devotion to God. It's about letting go of the things that cloud our vision, the distractions and temptations that pull us away from God. When our hearts are pure, we are able to see God, not just in the world around us, but within ourselves.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Peacemaking is not passive. It's active, it requires courage and effort. It's about building bridges, resolving conflict, and fostering understanding. When we work for peace, we are doing the work of God, and we are truly children of God.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This is a challenging beatitude. It reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy. Sometimes, it means standing up for what is right, even when it's unpopular, even when it leads to suffering. But in those moments, we are not alone. God promises us the kingdom of heaven, a reward that far surpasses any suffering we may endure.

These Beatitudes are not just ideals to strive for. They are a call to transformation, a challenge to live differently, to see the world through God's eyes. They are an invitation to true blessedness, a life of purpose, joy, and lasting peace. Let us embrace these Beatitudes, and let them guide us on our journey to the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Love,
Br'er Abbot