Blessing and woe

“Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours…”” (Lk 6:20)

Our Lord completely reverses the order of the world. Blessed are the poor, hungry, weeping, and when people hate you—everything normally associated with “woe.” And on the other hand, we have “woe” to all the signs of “prosperity” — again normally associated with a “blessing.” To be more or to have more?

“Rejoice and leap for joy! Your reward will be great in heaven.” (Gospel Acclamation)