Seventh Sunday after Epiphany (6th in ordinary)

The Bible reading this week is the account in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus’ sermon on the plain which strongly corresponds to Jesus’ sermon on the mount – Matthew chapters 5 to 7.  Of course, there are slight differences, but the message is the same: “Happy are you poor, because yours is the kingdom of God.  Happy are you who are hungry now because you will be filled.”  For me, these are some of the most remarkable words in the whole of the Bible if not in the whole of literature.  The lessons for philosophy and political economy encapsulated in these words are breath-taking.  Up to this point in history and, indeed, beyond it, there is no teaching like this – anywhere.  Every worldly value says that it is good to strive after money, wealth, physical sustenance and social acceptance.  Jesus turns this all on its head and points to something far greater.  Jesus says, in effect, if you devote yourselves to every worldly value you will get them.  But that is all you will get.  If you forgo all these things for the sake of the Gospel you will endure hunger, poverty and hardship but your eternal reward will surpass any short-term discomfort.  You will have lost the world but gained eternity.  Once again “Happy are you poor (as a result of your sacrifice for the Gospel) because yours is the kingdom of God”.  Amen.