＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

 Colossians 3: 1-11

 So then, if you are risen with Christ, seek the things that are above,

where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, reveals himself, you also will be revealed with him in Glory.

Therefore, put to death what is earthly in your life, that is immorality, impurity, inordinate passions, wicked desires and greed which is a way of wor­shiping idols.  These are the things that arouse the wrath of God.

For a time you followed this way and lived in such disorders.  Well then, reject all that: anger, evil intentions, malice; and let no abusive words be heard from your lips.

 Do not lie to one an­other. You have been stripped of the old self and its way of thinking  to put on the new, which is being renewed and is to reach perfect knowledge and the likeness of its creator.  There is no room for distinction between Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, foreigner, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

 Luke 6: 20-26

Then looking at his disciples, Jesus said,

“Fortunate are you who are poor, the kingdom of God is yours.”

 Fortunate are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.

Fortunate are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

 Fortunate are you when peo­ple hate you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man.  Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. Re­member that is how the ancestors of this people treated the prophets.

 But alas for you who have wealth, for you have been comforted now.

Alas for you who are full, for you will go hungry.

Alas for you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

 Alas for you when peo­ple speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of these people treated the false prophets.

 

Reflection gospel：

“FORTUNATE ARE YOU WHO ARE POOR.”

The first thing that comes to mind when we encounter the word ”poor” are the people considered as economically or materially needy and those who are disadvantaged. However, in the gospel passage that is not the case, although it is not ruled out: “The poor’ are all whose emptiness and destitution provide scope for the generosity of God”(Brendan Byrne). Their condition creates the opportunity so that divine goodness could operate in their lives.

The situation might include a deep feeling of emptiness, uncertainty and hopelessness. No one is exempted from these kinds of feeling regardless of economic and social status. In situations where the prevailing feeling is that of emptiness and destitution, one is invited to open up to the power of God and to receive his generosity. He/she could find comfort in the encounter with God, which could subsequently lead to the unfolding of a new world of hope and opportunities.

There are conditions that help the human heart open up to God’s power and goodness. Unbelief, arrogance, and self-conceit shuts its door and cancels out space for divine occupancy. It is the thought that any external power, or influence, makes any contribution. Outside factors (or the God-factor) are simply out of the picture.