Luke 6:20-26
The “Beatitudes” that Jesus preached is a great consolation for the poor and the needy. By this, the poor would feel that God knows all their struggles and that there is an end to all their sufferings. The poverty, hunger, misery and persecution that they are facing for following Christ would come to an end and be turned to endless joy and satisfaction in heaven. The challenge for the poor is to remain trustful in the saving power of God.
The Beatitudes also is a strong warning for the rich and powerful. Through this, they are reminded that power and wealth could easily lead people to damnation. Abundance, gluttony, fun and fame, often makes people proud, self-centered, selfish and immature. Without being careful, the rich would soon find themselves alienated from God and from others. The great challenge for the rich is to acknowledge that all things come from God and are given for the good of all. Thus, the rich should remain grateful to God and helpful to the poor in their needs.
There are many lessons to learn from the Beatitudes, but the most important is the virtue of deep trust in God's goodness. If we strongly believe that we are all children of a Loving God, we shall be freed from pride and selfishness and shall start living in peace and joy with one another.
