6th Sunday of the year – Year C

Jr. 17:5-8; Psalm 1:1-2,3,4,6; 1 Cor. 15:12,16-20; Lq. 6:17,20-26

Read: Jesus came down with the Twelve and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judea, Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. Fixing his eyes on his disciples he said: “Happy you who are poor; yours is the Kingdom of God. Happy you who are hungry now; you shall be satisfied. Happy you who weep now; you shall laugh. Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy., for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way your ancestors treated the prophets. But alas for you who are rich; you are having your consolation now. Alas for you who have your fill now; you shall go hungry. Alas for you who laugh now; you shall mourn and weep. Alas for you when others speak well of you; this was the way your ancestors treated the false prophets”.

Reflect: Jesus teaches that the four situations of poverty, hunger, weeping and envy for his own sake can become a source of happiness and blessings. This because these situations induce persons, who are experiencing these situations, to depend on God, and to turn their attention completely towards Him. On the other hand, Jesus warns persons that those who chose materialism beyond their needs, excessive wealth; envy, hatred against others who have a good reputation, could find that these situations lead to their ruin.

Because when the latter seek at all costs to accumulate great wealth, it is easy for them to think only of themselves and to consider their wealth as the source of their happiness, and they put God aside. Jesus wants us to understand, with the utmost force, that only God is the only guarantee of our happiness and security.

Jesus is not placing a halo on the head of poverty, persecution, suffering, weeping or misfortunes. He is offering hope and solace to whoever finds himself in such situations. He is encouraging us not to place our hopes in the wealth of this world, whatever that may be. He is showing us that these riches, if not used well, could well interfere with the acquisition of greater things, amongst which eternal happiness.

Pray: “You Lord will teach me the path of life; unbounded joy in your presence, at your right-hand delight for ever (Psalm 16,11)

Act: Examine your way of life. Can you say that you are following the path proposed to you by Jesus?