2/11/2010
We are called to develop a fearless faith
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 | Mary Jo Tully
Chancellor, Archdiocese of Portland |
Sixth Sunday
in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 17:5-8
1 Corinthians 15:12,16-20
Luke 6:17,20-26
Speaking to children is different from talking to adults. Teaching high school students is different from lecturing college students. Knowledge builds…and so does faith. Jesus was a wonderful teacher so it should not surprise us that the lessons he taught his closest disciples were more demanding than those he spoke about with the larger crowds.
Today, the Gospel is the Lucan Sermon on the Plain. We hear the echo of the lengthier Sermon on the Mount that is found in Matthew’s Gospel and perhaps we think it is the same sermon. Scripture scholars say that is not likely true.
Jesus had chosen his closest disciples and gathered them close. Luke seems to be very explicit that Jesus is speaking to them in this sermon but the twelve could never have been considered rich. Some scholars would say that, since we know that a large crowd was present, Jesus intended some of these words for them. Others point to the wider meaning of rich. I like to think that the Sermon on the Plain directs Jesus’ teaching mainly to leaders and only to those other followers who were ready to hear. We are told that Jesus focused on these particular blessings because he knew these leaders would face more intense poverty, hunger, weeping and persecution than other followers.
It is important to remember that Jesus is speaking in a Kingdom context. The blessings and the woes contrast those who are longing for salvation with those who feel no need to depend on God. The beatitudes and woes are not so much blessings and curses as they are descriptions of differing life styles determined by faith more than economics. It is difficult for those who are smug and satisfied with their lot in life to rely on God. It is easier for them to criticize others.
It would be good to read today’s Gospel and the Scripture that follows (Luke 6:27-38) together. Those who most closely follow Jesus will be hated, insulted and denounced. This is a hard teaching and one that not all are ready to accept. The following verses in Chapter 6 tell us more about the reaction Jesus expects of his followers…love your enemies and do good to them, be merciful, stop judging, stop condemning, forgive and give.
At a very young age, I learned that there were people who do not like Catholics simply because they are Catholics. I was stunned. “What’s not to love”? In those days, I thought such people were unusual. Later, I discovered they are more prevalent than I thought. I also discovered what still astonishes me — that those who call themselves the followers of Christ often intentionally hurt one another.
In truth, it isn’t easy to be a disciple of Jesus. But it is equally true that nothing will make us happier.
Today, we thank the Father for the Kingdom he promises to those who follow his son.
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