READINGS FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C, SUNDAY 13TH FEBRUARY, 2022.

First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Psalm: 1

Second Reading:
1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

Gospel: Luke 6: 17, 20-26

REFLECTION BY FR. CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM

REJOICE AND BE GLAD, YOURS IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

A choice is described as “the range of different things from which a being can choose”. We face choices in our lives every day. Our expression of choice can be conscious and unconscious. Our choices in life may lead to reversible or irreversible outcomes, a curse or a blessing.

This understanding of choice ties in well with what the Lord says in today’s First Reading. He says, “A curse on the man who puts his trust in man, who relies on things of flesh, whose heart turns from the Lord… A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope”. (Jeremiah 17:5-8). We turn away from God when we put our hope and trust in things human and worldly.

There is a need for us to have a balance in our choices in life and to experience the closeness of Jesus, the source of all happiness in our every day events.

In today’s Gospel according to Luke, Jesus came down with the Twelve and Jesus chose to stop at a piece of level ground. Jesus also chose to fix his eyes on his disciples and taught them the mysteries of life. Jesus said: “How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:17, 20-26).

Here are the big questions we should ponder on: Are we willing to allow Jesus into our lives? Are we willing to choose first the Kingdom of God? Do we truly trust God in His promises? How honest are we in keeping God’s Law? Do we recognize our dependence on God? Do we believe in Divine providence? How committed are we in humble selflessness, compassionate and generous sharing of our blessings with those experiencing challenges? Do we love and respect those that are poor? Do we stand for our Faith with heroic convictions and joy? How can millions of people who are starving, persecuted, jobless and homeless be happy? How can the poor be happy? Can we then be poor and joyful? Are we really happy? These questions require courage and an honest response from us.

Yes, certainly, we can be materially poor but spiritually rich and joyful in the Lord. We can also be materially rich but spiritually poor. It is about our choice. Our choice in life, can make us sad or happy, poor or rich. Our choice can also make our life difficult or joyful.

We pray for the gift of courage in our lives. We also pray for the grace to respond to the outburst of the unconditional love of God by seeking first the Kingdom of God. This will enable us to experience the joy that comes from the Lord now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM