Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
19 February 2025
First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 & 6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26
Reflection
By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala
One of the expressions we often say when someone is about to compete in a competition, attend a job interview, or pursue a business opportunity is “Good luck!” I remember when I was in my first year of Philosophy, my upperclassmen were about to take their comprehensive exam. I wished them “Good luck!” and “Break a leg!” However, they told me that instead of saying “Good luck,” I should have said “God bless.”
Who are the blessed?
Today’s Gospel presents Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, which includes the Beatitudes—also found in a different version in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Gospel, Jesus pronounces blessings upon the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, turning worldly expectations upside down. He declares, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” This radical teaching challenges us to reconsider our understanding of what it means to be blessed. So how do we understand blessings? Are we blessed because of abundance? Or are we blessed because we continue to hope even when we have little to nothing? The distinction between true blessings and the fleeting nature of luck is that blessings come from trusting in God. This leads to a life of abundance and fruitfulness, whereas relying solely on human strength results in spiritual barrenness.
So, let us ask God for the grace to be truly blessed. The call to be blessed is a call to live in faith, to trust in God’s providence, and to seek His will in all things. Amen.
Prayer
God, our loving Father,
You treat us as Your true sons and daughters.
You always bestow upon us the blessings we need each day.
Grant that, through these blessings,
We may be truly blessed—
To live a life of holiness
And serve our brothers and sisters in need.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
