Spoiler: Challenging read ahead - 12 Oct

Aghh! Scripture, reflection and prayer.
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Luke 6:20-26 "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."

Reflection. Don't you just love it when Jesus overturns the tables of our thinking!  Actually, not always. In our world things like financial success and living comfortable lives are considered great blessings. Then along comes Jesus and upsets the apple cart of complacency.  

In the UK we are facing a cost of living crisis.  Utility bills are going up fast; prices in shops are becoming inflated and benefits are being reduced for some.  Oh, and winter is coming. 

How do Jesus's words speak to those of us who will weather the storm with not too much difficulty?

How do Jesus's words speak to those of us who only see bleak days ahead?

What is the call on we who are warm and can put food on the table and fuel (now it seems available again) in our cars?

What can the Church do to help the most needy?

Oh, and to change tack. Right in the heart of the passage, Jesus tells us to rejoice if we are hated, reviled, excluded and defamed because we follow Jesus.  Good grief!
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Reflection.  Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Amen.