LUKE 6:20–26
THE BEATITUDES AND WOES
Text – Luke 6:20–26
20 And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.”
21 “Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.”
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you… exclude and insult you… on account of the Son of Man… rejoice and leap for joy… your reward will be great in heaven.”
24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”
25 “Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep.”
26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Jesus delivers these teachings shortly after calling the Twelve, in what is known in Luke’s Gospel as the Sermon on the Plain. The structure of blessings (beatitudes) and woes was familiar in Jewish wisdom literature (cf. Proverbs). The poor, hungry, and persecuted were often seen as those abandoned by God. Jesus reverses this expectation by declaring them blessed, turning worldly values upside down. The pairing of beatitudes with corresponding woes reflects prophetic tradition, which contrasted righteousness with judgment.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Beatitudes express the heart of Jesus’ teaching and the values of the Kingdom of God (CCC 1716–1717). They invite a radical trust in God and promise eternal joy despite present suffering. The “poor” in Luke are both economically and spiritually dependent on God, contrasting with the self-sufficient rich who have their reward now (CCC 544). The woes are not condemnations but warnings against complacency, selfishness, and worldly attachment (CCC 2547). The path to holiness, as seen in the Beatitudes, is the path of humility, sacrifice, and faithful discipleship (CCC 1720–1724).
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 5:1–12 – More detailed Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount)
Isaiah 61:1–3 – Good news to the poor and brokenhearted
James 2:5 – God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith
Psalm 34:19 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
Luke 16:19–31 – Parable of the rich man and Lazarus
Key Terms
Blessed – Spiritually fortunate, approved by God
Poor – Those materially or spiritually dependent on God
Hungry – Those longing for righteousness and justice
Weeping – Those suffering now but promised divine consolation
Woe – A warning of spiritual danger or misplaced priorities
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed on Sundays and weekdays in Ordinary Time, especially during seasons focusing on social justice and Gospel living. The Beatitudes are central to the moral and spiritual life of every Christian. They challenge believers to seek eternal joy rather than worldly comfort.
Conclusion
Jesus redefines true happiness and true loss. His words comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The Beatitudes are not just poetic sayings but a roadmap for Christian life. They call us to radical trust in God and joyful endurance in the face of suffering, with eyes fixed on heaven.
Reflection
Which of these Beatitudes speaks most to my life today?
Am I clinging to worldly wealth, comfort, or approval instead of God’s Kingdom?
Do I live with hope and joy, even when facing trials for Christ?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, bless me with the grace to live the Beatitudes. Teach me to find joy in poverty of spirit, hunger for justice, and the trials of discipleship. Help me to seek my reward not in this world, but in You. Amen.