6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) – 16th February 2025

Quick Glance Summary

• Theme: See life as God sees it: a challenge and a blessing.
• Key Message: Jesus tells us: if you’re seeking lasting happiness in wealth, contentment, and in being entertained, you’re looking in the wrong place. Focus instead on doing what you can for the poor, the hungry and those in pain.
• First Reading (Jeremiah 17:5–8): Living life without God is the road to ‘nowhere’ and ‘emptiness’. Life lived on the basis of God’s ways leads to true and settled contentment.
• Psalm (Psalm 1): The psalm praises the righteous who delight in God’s law, contrasting them with the wicked, who are blown around like chaff.
• Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:12, 16–20): St Paul proclaims the resurrection of Christ as the foundation of our faith and the promise of eternal life.
• Gospel (Luke 6:17, 20–26): God does not measure status by wealth or contentment; God’s focus is on the poor, the hungry and those in crisis… and the invitation is for us to focus there too. 

Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20–26

Liturgical Title: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) – 16th February 2025

"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 Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear Him and to be cured of their diseases. Then fixing His eyes on His disciples He said:

‘How happy are 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 their 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 the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’"

Overview of the Gospel

This passage is often called the Sermon on the Plain and presents Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Jesus contrasts the blessings of those who depend on God with the woes of those who rely on worldly riches, comfort, and approval. The “poor” in Luke’s account are not just spiritually poor but materially poor, highlighting God’s concern for the downtrodden. This teaching flips societal values upside down, challenging disciples to focus less on their own satisfaction and focus more on those who are in crisis.

Connecting the Gospel to Today’s Context

Jesus uses startling words to challenge conventional values. It’s strange to hear him say that being rich, having our fill of food and entertainment, is the road to disaster. How could that be! He’s telling us that we are more likely to ‘lose ourselves’ and ‘lose God’ when we focus on such things. But the key issue is that we are also more likely to overlook those who live in crisis. To stay close to them is to stay close to God. The truest happiness comes from trusting in God and caring for those in need, not from pursuing wealth or personal comfort. Ultimately, the message is that adopting a godly perspective—one that values selflessness and service over self-centred fulfillment—leads to a richer, more meaningful life.

The Gospel reverses worldly values, calls us to a deeper discipleship, promises that God will put things right in heaven and puts social justice in pride of place. 

The Gospel brings to mind the place of what the Catholic tradition calls “The Corporal Works of Mercy”, namely: to give sustenance to the hungry and to the thirsty; to clothe those who need clothes; to aid those who need shelter; to visit those sick or imprisoned and to honour the dead with proper burial. Doing these things grows the spirit and character in us that God calls us to: they make us better citizens and better people.  

Reflection Questions and Responses

• Who or what groups might find these readings especially helpful
  • The poor and suffering: Jesus’ words assure them that God sees their struggles and promises them His Kingdom.
  • Those tempted by materialism: The Gospel warns against a focus on wealth that excludes trust in God and service of others.
  • Social justice advocates: The Beatitudes affirm the call to care for the vulnerable and work for a more just society.
  • Those enduring ridicule or persecution for their faith: The promise of heavenly rewards provides strength and encouragement.
• What human weaknesses do they address, and what virtues do they aim to strengthen?
  • Weaknesses: Greed, self-reliance, blindness to the needy and despair in suffering. The readings challenge worldly priorities and invite focus on God’s plan.
  • Virtues: Humility, hope, and solidarity with the marginalised. They encourage reliance on God and compassion for others.
• What is the feeling tone of each reading?
  • Jeremiah: Stern yet hopeful, contrasting the consequences of trusting in man versus trusting in God.
  • Psalm: Peaceful and joyful, celebrating the blessings of walking in God’s way.
  • 1 Corinthians: Confident and triumphant, proclaiming Christ’s victory over death.
  • Gospel: Afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted. Challenging yet comforting, offering hope to the downtrodden and warning to the self-satisfied.
• Which saints or well-known figures exemplify the message of these readings?
  • St Francis of Assisi: His embrace of poverty and trust in God reflect the Beatitudes.
  • St Oscar Romero: His advocacy for the poor and critique of worldly power mirror Jesus’ message.
  • Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: His joy in serving the poor shows how trust in God brings true happiness.
• What works of art, poems, or pieces of music provide insight into the message?
  • Art: James Tissot’s The Sermon on the Plain, vividly portraying Jesus addressing the crowd.
  • Music: The hymn Blest Are They by David Haas, which echoes the Beatitudes.
  • Poetry: George Herbert’s The Collar, reflecting the struggle to embrace God’s will over worldly desires.
• Where has the message of these readings been true in my life or those close to me, and is there a story I can share about that?
  • Share a story of someone finding joy and peace through trusting in God amid hardship or of an experience where embracing humility and service brought deeper fulfilment than worldly success.