Luke’s version of the Beatitudes is very different from Matthew’s. In fact it is a much harsher and demanding set of statements, and is not just about blessings, but also about woes. The poor are blessed, the hungry are blessed, the people who weep are blessed and anyone who is excluded, reviled or defamed because of their belief in Jesus is also blessed; BUT if you are rich, your stomach is full and you are laughing and having a good time, or people speak well of you – well – woe to you … [To read more, click on the title]
Author Archives: St Francis Webguy
Luke, Fishing and Waitangi
I love the idea of Jesus, desperate for a little space from which to speak to the crowds pressing upon him, just commandeering Simon’s boat.
And I love that Peter just lets him. I mean, he’d been fishing all night and probably wanted to finish cleaning up and get home to bed. But he takes Jesus out anyway. [To read more, click on title]
A Selfish Giant
Do you know what a curmudgeon is?
I arrived at my swimming spot and found it full of people. Swimmers and picnickers and cars and folding chairs and rugs and towels spread wide. And kayaks and dogs and stand-on boards and bridge jumpers. And I thought, how dare they. Make way. I want to swim. It’s a beautiful day, and I want to swim.
Choosing the Way of Love
“Jesus, a prophet in his own country.” This is where we find him and see how he stands. All were speaking well of him. There was amazement! “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
Here was an easy opportunity for him to go with the flow; to enjoy being a valued part of his community. But he speaks out truths they are not prepared to hear; truths that sting and enrage them. [To read more, click on the title.]
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