6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The readings for this Sunday focus on blessings, as exemplified in the Beatitudes. They challenge traditional ideas of blessings by highlighting the blessedness of those who are poor, hungry, those who weep and those who are persecuted while affirming the hope and rewards found in trusting God. In the First Reading Jeremiah tells us that all those who put their trust in people are like barren bushes in the desert. He also tell us that those who trust in the Lord are like fruitful trees by the water that produce much fruit. The Second Reading from Corinthians tells us that If Christ is not raised, our faith is useless and we remain in sin. But Christ is risen, the first of those who have died the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep and he is the foundation of our faith and the reason for our Hope.
Over the next two Sundays the Gospel reading is from the “Sermon on the Plain,” a parallel to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount.” While similar, both evangelists are writing for different audiences. How many in the crowd who heard Jesus were attracted to the good news he was sharing? Did they become his disciples too? Did what he said change their notion of God? Have the beatitudes changed us? After listing the four situations in life that make people blessed, Luke then lists their opposites, declaring the “woes.” The word for “blessed” is not a description of happiness as we know it; but is a gift bestowed by God. You don’t earn the blessings; you just need them and God notices. Those who have nothing no material wealth, or food, who are weeping and hated, because of Jesus, will receive God’s favour. St. Luke addressed his gospel to the downtrodden and the lowly. He sees the tremendous value that the poor have because they recognize that all they have comes from God, they are generous with others as they know that God will provide for them if they give the little they have to those who have greater needs then themselves. St. Luke also quotes Jesus as saying, “Woe to the rich.” Jesus is not concerned with the amount of money a person has. He’s concerned with the false sense of security that money and possessions often give people and we see that in todays crazy world.
Many people are tempted to trust in their material possessions and wealth instead of trusting God. Riches and the comforts of the world can leave us in the spiritual wilderness. The beatitudes call us to a better way of living and they call us to live our lives for others in accordance with the Gospel values and, in this way we will be blessed in the eyes of God. We will not end up as famous or wealthy people but we will most definitely end up as people who are appreciated by others known for the lives we lead as people who have the faith filled attitude of the Beatitudes.
Fullerton T 