Pastor's sermon is based upon the gospel reading from Luke 5:17-26. Jesus is blessing the real poor, the real hungry, the real grief-stricken, and the real outcasts of this world by his powerful healing presence. Jesus promises a world turned upside down. The poor, the hungry, and the grieving are the people that God notices and blesses. Jesus is also clear that wealth and privilege are real dangers that have the power to separate us from God and from community with others. The good news to the poor is also tough news for those who are not poor. For God’s reign to be good news for the well-fed, the rich, the laughing, and the admired, they will have to wake up and change their ways by being more attentive and generous to the have-nots.
