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Gospel Reading for September 09, 2026 – Luke 6: 20-26
GREAT CONSOLATION
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:
Blessed are you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
But woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”
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The Gospel today is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, which is such a GREAT CONSOLATION for those who suffered then, and for those who are suffering now despite exerting their best efforts to be good and to do God’s will.
It is for those who take up their cross and follow Jesus. Because in a world tainted by sin, it is impossible not to suffer when one follows Jesus. But Jesus always reminds us that this is temporary. A heavenly reward of being truly blessed for all eternity awaits those who follow Him.
When we look at the “woes,” it is as if Jesus is saying that those who are rich, have plenty, or live very comfortable lives are doomed to suffer later, or will experience the opposite later.
It is for those who have caused suffering to others by enriching themselves at the expense of others; those who carouse through life, oblivious to the suffering of the people around them; and those who could not care less about the needs of others and will not lift a finger to help them.
If we go through life this way, what awaits us is doomsday.
Lord Jesus, teach us to live life to the fullest as you did when you were on earth. Amen.
