2025/02/16 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Jay Wagner-Yau, Chapel Choir Director
The readings for this Sunday invite us to reflect on trust, resurrection, and the true source of happiness. Each passage challenges us to examine where we place our trust, where we find hope, and how we define true blessings in life.
Trusting in God’s Strength
The first reading, presents a stark contrast between those who trust in human strength and those who rely on God. Jeremiah warns that relying solely on human wisdom and strength is like being a dry, barren shrub in the desert, struggling to survive. On the other hand, those who trust in God are compared to a tree planted by water, with deep roots that allow it to remain green and bear fruit even in difficult times.
This passage challenges us to consider where we place our trust. In today’s world, it is easy to depend on our abilities, financial security, or the approval of others. However, true security comes from God. When we anchor ourselves in Him, we can withstand life’s challenges with strength and peace. Just as a tree planted near water remains strong, a person rooted in faith finds nourishment and endurance through God’s grace.
Hope in the Resurrection
In the second reading, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. He argues that if Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain. The resurrection is the foundation of Christian belief, offering hope that death is not the end. Through Jesus, we are promised eternal life.
Paul’s words remind us that our faith is not just about this life but about the life to come. The challenges, sufferings, and disappointments we face are temporary when viewed through the lens of eternity. This passage calls us to trust in God’s promise of resurrection and to live in a way that reflects that hope. Instead of being consumed by worldly concerns, we are invited to focus on what truly lasts—our relationship with God and the eternal life He offers.
Blessings and Woes
In the Gospel reading by Luke, Jesus delivers a powerful message on blessings and woes. He declares blessings for the poor, the hungry, and those who suffer, while warning the rich and satisfied that their joy is temporary. This teaching challenges the world’s definition of success and happiness.
Jesus’ words remind us that material wealth and comfort are fleeting, while true joy comes from a deep relationship with God. The poor, hungry, and sorrowful are blessed not because their suffering is good in itself, but because they rely on God rather than on worldly security. On the other hand, those who place their trust in wealth and status may find themselves spiritually empty.
This Gospel passage calls us to examine our priorities. Do we seek lasting joy in God, or do we chase after temporary pleasures? True happiness is found not in possessions but in a life centered on love, service, and faith in God.
Living Out the Message
The readings for this Sunday urge us to evaluate our lives. Are we like the tree planted by the water, trusting in God’s strength? Do we live with hope in the resurrection, knowing that Christ has conquered death? Are we seeking true happiness in God rather than in fleeting worldly comforts?
To apply these lessons, we can take practical steps in our daily lives:
Deepen Our Trust in God: Through prayer, Scripture, and surrender, we can strengthen our reliance on God rather than on human strength.
Live with Hope: By focusing on the resurrection, we can face hardships with courage, knowing that our suffering is not the end.
Seek True Happiness: By prioritizing love, service, and faith, we align ourselves with the blessings Jesus speaks of in the Gospel.
As we reflect on these readings, let us open our hearts to God’s wisdom and guidance. May we trust in His strength, find hope in the resurrection, and seek true happiness in Him alone.