Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 6 gives us the opening words of the Sermon on the Plain, a cousin to the longer and perhaps more well-known Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7. There are similarities, but the two sermons have several differences right from the outset. Luke has fewer BLESSINGS than Matthew’s Beatitudes, and it includes WOES that are not found in the Matthew. In fact, each of Luke’s blessings has an accompanying woe: “Blessed are you who are poor” … “but woe to you who are rich;” likewise those who hunger, weep or are denounced versus the filled, laughing or highly regarded.
As I spent time with these verses to prepare this reflection, I found the poetic symmetry appealing, but I have not been able to shake the feeling that I am missing something. In part, I see a call to replace worldly values with a focus on following Christ, to supplant self-reliance with a reliance on God, who provides all we need. I hear echoes of the carrot-and-stick approach Jesus sometimes uses to encourage our fuller commitment. Forgive, and your heavenly Father will forgive you; but don’t forgive, and you won’t be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Or the judgment on those who did or did not care for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, unclothed, ill and imprisoned (Matthew 25:32-46).
So, as I struggled with the verses, I did what I often do, which is to read them in several translations in the hope that I will gain a new, Spirit-led perspective. That happened this time with The Message translation, which opens with:
You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all. God’s kingdom is there for the finding.
But it was the last part that really spoke to me:
But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get.
And it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long.
And it’s trouble ahead if you think life’s all fun and games. There’s suffering to be met, and you’re going to meet it.
There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
I am embarrassed to think how often I let anxieties take control of me, and in the process take my focus away from the One who faithfully provides all I need. I am embarrassed to think how many times I’ve viewed my successes as the result of my own creativity, intelligence, or effort, and then fail to be appropriately grateful. I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
Loving God, you love me and provide all I need. Forgive me the many times that I forget to thank you, that I fail to trust in you. I surrender my anxieties and fears to you. Let me find your joy as I serve you by serving others, as I love you by loving others. Thank you for everything. Amen.
David Crawford
I was Creighton’s University Archivist from January 2007 to April 2021, although as a faculty spouse I had been a part of the Creighton community since 1995. As University Archivist, I was responsible for archival, rare books and special collections, as well as for a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible on loan to Creighton. I left Creighton to assist others with historical, archival, cultural and various artistic projects.
I have been married to my wife, Sue, since 1990. We have two sons, one a graduate of Fordham and the other a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I enjoy birdwatching, playing soccer, music and comedy.
The online Daily Reflections have been an important part of my faith journey for several years. I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to write these devotions.
