St. Matthew renders the first Beatitude as “Poor in spirit,” to expand the meaning of poverty beyond those socially poor. Yet there is a preferential love that the Lord has for those who find themselves at the margin of life, powerless to compete with the “haves” who have managed to create “have nots.” Those that are poor, while on the edge of life, are also at the brink of the joy of relying only on the power of God alone to bless, rather than on the power of the world to curse.
“Woe” is the opposite of “blessed.” In other words, it is a curse. Luke speaks plainly. Be loosened from what you have, until you have nothing but the Lord.
What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Blessed are the poor: Kingdom theirs v. 20
Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 