Today’s Gospel written by Luke sounds a lot like Matthew’s Gospel of The Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus speaks about the poor, the hungry, the weeping, in both Gospels.  But in this reading, Luke also talks about the “woes” of the happy, the rich, and the filled.
 
We are all familiar with the Sermon on the Mount and the “Blessed”.  We also can understand how God has a special place in His heart for the vulnerable and the miserable. Jesus has always been drawn to visit these types of people and help them.  But by calling them “Blessed” it perhaps gives them hope and comfort to know they will be rewarded in Heaven.
 
But the rich and happy are getting an earful.  I do not believe Jesus is saying, “don’t be rich and happy.”  It’s more like… don’t seek popularity and riches.  Don’t be full of yourself, inconsiderate and self-absorbed just because you have good fortune.  Do not live as though you are privileged.  Speak the truth; and do not only like those who agree with you.
 
What actually motivates and temps us?  Money, fame?  These are the things that could get in the way of our relationship with God.
 
Blessings will be plentiful for everyone if we steer carefully around these temptations and stay on the right path of following Jesus faithfully.  But woes are what we receive if we follow the wrong path and take the short cut.