Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
“Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you
on account of the Son of Man.          [Luke’s Gospel 6.20-23]

Imagine if these were the words which we heard from community leaders and politicians. What would it be like to attend a presentation when the speaker addressed our deep concerns?

When Jesus speaks these words, often referred to as the “Sermon on the Plain”, people had gathered from all around the region to hear him speak and to find hope through healing and encouragement.

Jesus’ words of blessing are balanced with words of warning those who believe they have found all the answers now; “Woe to you who are rich, who are full, who laugh now, and have all people speak well of you …”

This is not a list of vengeance, but a reminder that there are always those around us who need our encouragement, our laughter, our resources. When our focus is self-centred, addressing only our own comfort, be warned.

This sermon on the plain continues, talking about loving enemies, forgiving others and far more besides. This is the heart of the sermon, the heartbeat of our calling. The radical nature of faith is not identifying any particular issue – domestic abuse, gender identity, First Nations justice.

It is discerning that each time we are acting out of our faith to serve those who are our neighbours, loving those we are yet to meet and, most significant of all, to forgive those who have no intention of loving us, then we realise the community into which Christ calls each of us. This is the journey.

The words of Jesus’ blessing are the beginning of the sermon; they are extraordinary, but do not leave them there. We act from the mercy and blessing offered to us in Christ.

Right now, everywhere we look there are speakers – online, in print, on our screens – telling us that being outraged is the only way to be. Soulless promises are made that have no soil in which to grow, and that is almost certainly a good thing. People are in need, but vengeance and resentment lead us nowhere.

“In fact, violence merely increases hate … Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  [M.L. King Jr.]

Jesus offers these blessings because he knows the world; the voice of corruption, the heel of Empire, the struggle of the faith community in the face of such challenges.

The journey to which he calls will not cease until all is complete, but we are invited to act because we know each time we are acting out of hope and articulating the only story offering life.