+ In our first reading today St. Paul tells the Colossians that if they truly are Christian people; if they truly are baptized into Christ's life; if they truly are raised with Christ then they ought to be acting like it: seeking what is above, and being far less concerned with what is of earth: for you have died (by means of your baptism) and your life is hidden now with Christ in God. And when Christ appears, you too will appear with him in glory! (This is an amazing thought!) So put to death in you the parts that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passions, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. (Because of these the wrath of God is coming on the disobedient.) Put away anger, fury, malice, slander, lying and obscene language! These are not at all becoming a Christ-centered person; these do not in any way contribute to building up the Body of Christ, the Church.
The gospel passage is about Jesus telling his disciples what their lives in him ought to be about in the positive sense: blessed because they are poor in spirit, blessed because they are hungry for the truths of God, blessed because they now weep for their sins and the sins of others, blessed when they are hated and persecuted because they are disciples: REJOICE AND LEAP FOR JOY in the face of all opposition: for your reward will be great in heaven. The woes are self-explanatory: having everything now, is not part of the Father's plan – and those who insist on it will find only misery and rejection at the end when it counts!
In any event, the Lord is compassionate toward all his works: and loves it when his people freely accept his grace and see things clearly, and act rightly for the right reason: his glory!
God bless you!
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