In today’s gospel, Jesus’ words about “Blessings and Woes” lay bare our aspirational and self-centered world of wealth and instant gratification. Jesus’ words are challenging for us because, lost in our wealth, we often fail to use God’s blessings to help others. Jesus’ words “Woe to you” remind us that wealth and “the good life,” when not used with compassion and justice for the hungry, weeping and excluded, only create distance from God. To live in the power of Christ’s resurrection is to bear the fruits of new life, sharing our blessings with those who live in life’s wilderness and parched places.
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