Now and then

Christ preaches a sermon that shows what it really means to belong to his kingdom. It is a sermon that demands that we consider our values and priorities, that makes us ask what we think about the now and the then of our lives.

To answer this question, we look first at the blessings Christ describes: the kingdom of God for the poor, filling for the hungry, laughter for the weeping, and joy for those hated for the Son of Man's sake.

Then we turn to the woes of which Christ warns: the rich have already received their consolations; the full will be hungry; the laughing will be mourning and weeping; and the condemnation of God for those who seek the applause of men.

So, is yours the kingdom of heaven? Are you a true disciple of Christ?