William Willimon writes about the poor in the life of salvation.
Jesus begins his famous sermon with, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20). to those who can do nothing to purchase the kingdom, he gives it to them for nothing. Matthew is not spiritualizing the Beatitudes when he adds poor "in spirit." Poor is poor. to those who haven't got much spirit, to those who are inept at spiritual matters, who can do little to further their case before God, who by their poverty have no control over their future, Jesus promises everything, his whole glorious kingdom (Matt 5:3).
The whole healing of all things is a gift. The Reign of God that many think will be the time of complete harmony and well-being...is a gift. It is important to note that all of us are invited into that life. There is no dividing line. When I am poor or when I am rich, the Reign of God is handed to me and as God is present within it, my life starts to be shaped by it. The shaping that takes place is different for each of us but it is all done so as to build one vision - one rule - one life that is the healing of all things.
Connection: So the question for this day is always the same one - how will this gift to us transform us into a gift along the way for all with whom we come in contact?
Bring all your people together as one, O God. You uphold each of us so that we can become the fullness of your Reign interacting within the world as we will face it today. Amen.
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