A Few Words On "The Word"

February 11, 2007
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Luke 6:17, 20-26

Reign of Reversal

I'm sure you've heard someone say, "You can't take it with you." This statement is of course true and is often said when someone wants to emphasize the futility of putting our worth in material possessions. However, the same statement can also indicate the opposite. Our desire as humans is often to possess as many things as possible and do as much as we can to make our lives totally fulfilling while we are on earth. People want what they feel they are entitled to now! Many believe that waiting for death to attain some reward that may not even exist is simply insane!

Status, class, power, possessions, money - our world is seemingly obsessed with obtaining these things. Our society places special emphasis on the happiness that having money and power will bring. In essence, people aren't necessarily defined by who they truly are. Rather, the amount of success or fame obtained, the size of a bank account, or the possessions owned seemingly tell others about who we are. We tend to categorize people, as well as their personal worth and quality, by what they wear or drive and how big their house is.

It comes as no surprise that people have been living in this world of greed and power for thousands of years. Today's gospel shows that possessions and status were just as big of a deal during Jesus' life. As a result of his concern for all people, Jesus wants to show how God's reign will be entirely different from the current establishment. Jesus realizes that the human drive for power and material goods essentially hurts more people and separates humanity from God's kingdom.

For this reason Jesus is all about a total reversal of what is acceptable. Through the beatitudes found in this sermon on the plain, he points out that all people are of equal worth and value in God's kingdom regardless of what they own.

Part of being a Christian and a peacemaker is the call to live without regard for class, power, and possessions. At times this is by choice, other times it is part of what we hesitantly leave behind in our response to God's call. Fortunately, our call gives us a change of perspective that helps us to realize the truth in Jesus' words that indicate a total reversal of norms.

We know from experience that the poor, the outcast, and the oppressed are put down and persecuted by society. Often, because of our preference for the poor, we too will be ridiculed for siding with the less fortunate instead of those who hold the keys to worldly success. However, we must remember that we do not live for the world. Instead we live in hope, working to build God's kingdom in a world that desperately needs a reversal.

Reflection Question

In what ways can you bring about a reign of reversal on a daily basis through everyday tasks?

When have you experienced, in your life or someone else's, the injustice brought about by a desire for power and possessions?

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