1st Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.”
Jeremiah was preaching a warning to all: if you do not put your trust in God you will suffer the consequences. He drew a metaphor of a plant that tries to grow in unhealthy earth verses one that grows near a stream. If a person trusts in human beings, he or she will bear no fruit.
But the one who trusts in God has nothing to fear and bears much fruit. The message is clear: the choices we make have consequences. It is not much of a surprise that a plant growing in salted earth will not survive. So is it also not a surprise that a person who relies on human acceptance will someday come up short. Human beings are imperfect and prone to mistakes. The clear conclusion is that a decision to rely on God means we can weather any storm.
Reflection Questions:
Is God my only hope and source of trust? Do I sometimes trust in human beings? Can I see a clear connection between my decisions and a fruitful result, or lack thereof?
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
“…Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Paul was very clear to the Corinthian community that we have all been promised the gift of eternal life. He held the resurrection as a central tenant of the faith. How can one believe that the dead will not be raised? If so, then Christ was not raised and we have nothing to look forward to! No, Paul said that we believe Christ has been raised and that we too will follow someday.
Our faith is a source of hope and comfort. Without faith, there would be times we might despair. We need the hope of eternal life with God to give our lives meaning. When we suffer loss or confusion, it is our faith in Christ's resurrection that eases our pain. We also believe that what Christ has done, we will also do.
Reflection Questions:
What are the basic tenants of my faith? Do I believe that Christ died for my sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day? Do I look forward to the gift of eternal life with God?
Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26
“Blessed are you…”
Luke offered his version of the Sermon on the Plain (instead of on the Mount like in Matthew), and mentioned a number of blessings in this life and their corresponding rewards. They are not the blessings that one might expect. Since they were directed to Jesus' apostles one might conclude that these blessings are meant for followers/imitators of Christ. Jesus placed the highest honor on those who are hated, excluded and insulted.
We do not feel blessed when we observe or feel hunger, poverty or mourning. How is it a joyful day when a person is berated or harmed on account of their faith? The Kingdom of God is not like this world. We are rewarded in heaven for poverty on earth. Conversely, we have already received our blessings if we are comfortable today. Luke's claim is that poverty and full reliance on God is the only sure way to a reward in Heaven.
Reflection Questions:
What do I consider a “blessing” in this world and does it match the Kingdom of God? How seriously do I consider myself a “follower” of Christ? Am I “too comfortable” with my life in this world?