THE GREENING OF THE GOSPEL
SERMONS FOR ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY SUNDAYS 1-8 IN ORDINARY TIME)
When Jesus began his message on the mountain, the common people in the crowd rejoiced. They nudged each other and shook their heads approvingly as he showered them with "blesseds." And when he began to unwind the list of "woes" on the privileged and the rich, the great congregation was visibly moved, but respectfully withheld their inward rejoicing. But neither the rich nor the poor in that gathering were quite prepared for what followed.