From the Pastor:
On this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary time the Lord challenges us to live of poverty. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord rather than human beings, material possessions and earthly satisfaction. When Jesus speaks with the people from Judea and Jerusalem, He first gives a series of blessings (the Beatitudes) and then a corresponding warning (the woes). There is an order to his teaching.
The first Beatitude tells us that you will find happiness in being poor. There are two meanings of poverty. First, when a person is poor in spirit, they are poor spiritually. They realize they are a sinner and humbly approach the Lord time and time again. Second, when a person is poor materially. They have a detachment from their material possessions. For the Lord says, “woe to you who are rich, you have received your consolation. In others words those who live by money will die by money.
How often today does money become the root of evils, dissension, fights, and greed. This attitude has entered the hearts of Christians who are more concerned about what’s in the bank verses trusting in God. We have made a false God out of our bank accounts and insurance. We have great difficulty because of pride to let go and let God.
The second Beatitude speaks about those who are hungry, presently they will be satisfied in the coming kingdom. The corresponding warning warns us that if you are glutton now you will starve later. If you take only what you need now you will be blessed later. Here is another lessons in detaching from the things of the world.
The third Beatitude speaks of a contrite heart. Happy will you be now if you weep for your sins, for someday your weeping will end with the joy of Heaven. But woe to those who laugh now, they will grieve and weep later. How many people want to be entertained with good times, pleasure, and jokes. This mentality is seen today when Catholics desire the mass to be entertainment and full of laughter. This is a slippery slope. Do we want our children to think religion is one big joke? Wouldn’t it be better to have a priest call us to repentance and save our soul?
Our presence as Christians becomes more evident when we look at the fourth warning, “woe to you when they speak well of you, for the false prophets were treated the same way.” Rather happy will you be when people hate you, and insult you, denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice for your reward will be great in Heaven. We shouldn’t be concerned whether we are hated because of Christ. In fact, when you speak of the conviction and love of Christ, you can plan on it. We are not to worry, but be holy.
God is asking us to detach from the desire to seek human respect. What really matters is not the materials, not the praise, not the success of this life but our love, faithfulness and desire to repent. If we always seek an attitude of repentance, we will remain humble and willing to follow our Lord. If we never desire to change and convert our hearts we risk loosing our souls and reaping what we have sown. This week let us reflect on this Sacred Scripture which will challenge each of us in many ways.








