Woe To Be Set Free
To Live Generously Sets Us And Others Free
by Eric Elkin
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
In the Spring of 2020, the world shut down, and every creature on earth felt its impact. I often find myself grieving the loss of that time and experience. Some might think I am crazy, but I am not. We learned much about ourselves and our way of living during that time.
It is 5 o’clock in the morning as I write this reflection. My windows are open, and a cool breeze with a faint smell of fall fills the room. During the lockdown, this moment would be doubly blessed with an absence of noise. Today, all I can hear are planes, trains, and automobiles. The noise reminds me we are back to our daily grind. We work, produce, build, and drive without regard for the imprint of our steps on the earth or the impact of the grind on our souls.
When the weather warmed in April 2020, people came outside. Family, friends, and neighbors were searching for healthy alternatives to isolation. I watched young families laughing, playing games, and enjoying picnics in the park at 5 pm on a Wednesday afternoon. Now that the lockdown is gone. The parks are empty, parents are back to their routines, and the children are back on their electronic devices.
We have returned to our normal ways. And I wonder if we learned anything along the way. Did we not see how clean the air became when the traffic stopped? Does anyone living in an urban area remember hearing the sound of birds singing in the absence of traffic? I saw a family during COVID lockdown out in a park having a spontaneous scavenger hunt. I wish I could call them to ask if they missed it.
“Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”
The Beatitudes in Luke are a series of blessings and woes. Throughout history, they have formed the basis of Christian ethics. However, these two things are not about heavenly rewards and eternal punishments. It would be better to equate “blessed” with the happiness of being unburdened. Similarly, woe is not a condemnation but a warning to look out. Sort of like someone yelling, “heads up!”
I feel like COVID restrictions taught me something about the Beatitudes. For a moment in time, we were forced to cease activity. In the pause, we discovered that our wealth and pursuit of financial security may not be as healthy as advertised. Maybe it was taking a heavier toll on us than we care to admit.
The lesson rooted in the reading is an invitation to live generously. Those who heed the warning of wealth can become happy by giving. The poor, hungry and sad can be set free of their burdens through the empathy and generosity of others. The totality of the action and interchange creates spiritual unity in Christ.
The Beatitudes are an invitation to live differently. Jesus wants to open our eyes to how our lives impact each other. A lesson I found on full display during COVID restrictions. The impact is not off in some faraway place called heaven. The change is right here and now where we live. Those who live generously set both themselves and others free.
Click to read Luke 6: 20-26
Reflection Questions:
What did you learn about yourself during COVID lockdown?
How did the change in routine impact your soul?
What have you gained or lost since returning to more normal practices?
Where can you make an impact by giving?
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