NOTES for Luk 6:20-26

The “Beatitudes” in the Gospel of Luke sound somewhat different from those in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt. 5:3-12). A social appeal is clearly audible in them. The Kingdom of God, of course, is not of this world, but it takes root in this world. All our “spirituality” is worthless if we are prepared to tolerate the suffering of other people while repeating, “The Lord endured and told us to endure.” Us—yes; but a person can call only himself to suffering (as to humility and repentance). And not only to suffering, but also to compassion. Only such spirituality—the spirituality of grace, mercy, and compassion—is genuine; this is precisely the kind of spirit God promises to give us.