This is a difficult lesson for me - because the pestilence is so insidious.
I don't consider myself a man of material wealth.
If I were, who knows how much more infected I would be.
But the worship of wealth is far more than the word can describe.
It's ego, judgment, instransigence.
The worship of good as well as bad - as if you know.
Anyway ... I interpreted this this way today, with a little help, it being a Sunday and all:
In regards to material wealth, class warfare isn't the point. And self-persecution is a distraction.
It's that if your wealth determines your worth - as it imperceptively can do - you won't find the peace you're looking for.
I don't know that this solves any problems for me. For all I know it creates more. But ...
Luke 6:20-31
"Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
"Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
"Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you,
revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that
day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for
that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
"Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
"Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who
hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If
anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone
who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to
everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not
ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you."
