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Reflection on the Gospel – Monday, June 9, 2025
Today we hear the Beatitudes. Yes, with a capital B, because this is a truly amazing passage—no matter how you look at it. For many people, it opens up a whole new way of seeing things: the Gospel, Jesus himself, clearly chooses to stand with the poor, the suffering, the hungry, those who cry, and the gentle.
But others might feel that the Beatitudes are the biggest lie of all. Because let’s be honest—those who are poor, or suffering, or mourning, or humble don’t usually seem “blessed.” The truth is, they often get the worst seat at life’s table, and it doesn’t look like their situation will change anytime soon.
To be honest, the Beatitudes are not easy to understand. But they are a key part of the Gospel. It’s like Jesus is giving his first major speech—his mission statement—where he lays out the heart of his message. Kind of like when a new president or leader starts their term by explaining their vision and goals.
If we read the Beatitudes as the center of the Gospel, they become much clearer. What we see is that God wants to turn this world upside down. The Kingdom of God is not just a nicer version of today’s systems and powers—it’s the exact opposite. In God’s Kingdom, the ones who come first are the poor, the ones who suffer, those who mourn…
In other words: the people who are last in today’s world are first for God. And it’s not just that we’re supposed to help them or care for them out of kindness or charity. It’s much deeper than that—they are the first. And we, as a result, come second.
It’s hard to wrap our heads around this. And that’s okay. It’s a total reversal. It’s flipping the world upside down. Turning the tables. It’s the most real and radical revolution there is. And, in the end, it’s the only way the Kingdom can truly be for everyone—including us.