Scripture for Sept. 9, Wed. Lectionary # 439: 23rd week

Scripture: Lectionary #439. Wed of 23 week. Colossians 3:1-11. Psalm
145:2-3.10-11.12-13. Luke 6:20-26.

Deuteronomy offers us an insight into covenantal language. It shows us
God's blessings on those who are faithful to the covenant and also some of
the woes that result when we do not adhere to the stipulations of this
covenant. Jesus was very devoted to Deuteronomy and understood its message
completely. It is the spiritual book of the Pentateuch that helps the
people of Israel to reflect on their commitment to adhere to God's
loving-kindness articulated in the covenant given to Moses. Jesus, no
doubt, based his own sermons on the Torah and created new spiritual ways of
interpreting it. Today we have the four beatitudes that Luke gives us.
They are similar to Matthew's but fewer in number. They are delivered on
the plain while the Sermon is on the Mount. Both sets of beatitudes
reflect the covenantal language that Jesus learned from the great book of
Deuteronomy. It is like the Gospel of John in its spiritual presentation
seen in the monologues and dialogues of Jesus.

The four beatitudes bring the ones faithful to them the gift of peace and
joy or "blessing" while those not faithful to them are presented a life
filled with "woes." Perhaps, the language of Deuteronomy presents the
blessings and woes more forecefully, but Jesus wants us to be faithful and
thus not face the woes just as Moses would have the people do. Biblical
language like love language has a way of repeating itself. One never gets
tired of hearing, "I love you."

Jesus sayings in Luke are seen in the concern that Luke has for concern for
the poor, for prayer, and for the presence of the Holy Spirit. God's
loving-kindness is manifested in Jesus on almost every occasion that he
speaks or does something for another. The Gospel thus is filled with
covenantal language just as Deuteronomy is and both works are inspired by
the Holy Spirit of God. While we reflect on the beatitudes here in Luke we
realize they are a blueprint for good Christian living and for the practice
of virtues. Deuteronomy does the same for the people of Israel then and
now. Both writings want us to have an I-Thou relationship with God both as
individuals and as communities of faith based on a covenant. Amen.