Timeless Love

In this week’s Gospel, Luke 6:17, 20-26, Jesus speaks to His disciples and a large group of people. He begins with a series of blessings. With each blessing, He illustrates how the world’s view of life differs from the heavenly view.

He begins with, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” It’s safe to say that poverty is one of the last things we associate with blessings. Yet, the kingdom of heaven is for the poor.

He continues with, “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Once again, the hungry and sad are among the blessed—another departure from what we typically consider a blessing.

Then Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.” None of this sounds like something a blessed person should endure. Still, the hated and excluded are counted among the blessed.

Today’s Gospel calls us to do one thing: reject the world’s way of thinking. What we desire in this world is often the exact opposite of what God desires for us. The upside is truly down. To be poor, hungry, sad, and ridiculed for God’s sake are all considered “negative,” “unpleasant,” and, in most cases, evidence of “failing” at life. Yet, I believe Jesus is saying that with wealth or worldly riches comes the danger of creating a space between you and the Lord. That space is often filled with a love of money or other earthly distractions. Nothing should come between you and the Lord.

The same rule applies to anything the world views as a blessing: fame, physical beauty, success, and popularity. None of these things are more important than your relationship with the Lord.

I don’t think we are being called to a life of poverty and sadness. Instead, I believe Jesus is teaching us that seeking riches before you seek a relationship with the Lord will not get you far. Seeking success before you have a successful relationship with the Lord is a trap. Seeking fame before you make the Lord famous in your heart is not the way. We are being called to shift our priorities and perspectives. What really matters in this life is not what the world says, but what the Lord says. The way to true happiness is not by chasing it on earth but by accepting the Lord. True wealth does not come from worshipping your bank account or profits. It comes from worshipping the Lord and living according to His Word.

Ask yourself: Have I allowed the world to dictate what I consider valuable? Has the world influenced my thinking so much that I’ve lost sight of what really matters?

Remember, when we align our priorities with God’s will, we not only find true peace and joy but also store up treasures in heaven that far surpass anything the world can offer. Let today’s Gospel remind us to focus on what lasts eternally, not what fades with time.