Welcome to a reflection on the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, where Abbot Marion Nguyen shares his insights on the Gospel of Luke’s readings for the day.
Jesus’ words, “Blessed are you who are poor; woe to you who are rich,” challenge our societal norms. In a world where wealth is often seen as a blessing and poverty a curse, how do we make sense of Jesus’ teachings? Abbot Marion Nguyen delves into this discrepancy and invites us to reconsider our perceptions.
Often, we treat our relationship with God as transactional, seeking His blessings without fully understanding His teachings. Saint Paul warns against this shallow faith, urging us to move beyond mere requests and delve deeper into our spiritual journey.
So, what is the disposition that aligns with Jesus’ teachings? It is the one who trusts in the Lord, finding delight in His law and seeing every circumstance as an opportunity to grow in faith. This person understands that wealth comes with responsibility and poverty can deepen their relationship with God.
By shifting our focus from external circumstances to our inner peace and trust in God, we build a foundation strong enough to weather life’s storms. As Jesus assures us, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
*Abbot Marion Nguyen of St Martin Abbey in Lacey, Washington, USA
