In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus delivers a powerful message to His followers. He speaks to a growing crowd of people, offering words that turn the world’s values upside down. The Beatitudes and Woes challenge us to think deeply about priorities, attitudes, and how we live out our faith.

The Beatitudes are a reminder that God’s Kingdom often works differently from the world we see around us. Jesus blesses the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and those who are hated or excluded because of their faith in Him. These blessings show that God sees value in ways and means the world often overlooks. The humble are lifted and promised comfort, provision, and joy is to be found for those who suffer. These teachings are a perpetual yardstick for the Christian as we try to measure ourselves against the standards of the Kingdom of God and to look for signs of God’s presence in places we least expect them.

Father Simon