February 16, 2025 -6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s readings present us with a stark contrast: the way of trust in God versus the way of trust in human strength. The prophet Jeremiah, St. Paul, and our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel each give us a different perspective on where we should place our hope, our security, and our ultimate trust. They tell us that trusting in the Lord is the Way to True Blessedness.

     The prophet speaks of Two Paths: Cursed or Blessed?

Jeremiah paints a vivid image in our first reading: “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert, that enjoys no change of season.”

In contrast, he says: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream.”

This passage invites us to ask: Where do I place my trust? In myself? In others? Or in the Lord?

     It is easy to put our trust in things we can see—wealth, power, human relationships, or our own abilities. But these things, while good in themselves, cannot give us lasting security. If we rely only on ourselves, we are like that barren bush, withering under the trials of life. But if we trust in God, we are like the tree beside the water, drawing life from His grace even in times of drought.

     St. Paul, in our second reading, reminds the Corinthians that faith in Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of our hope: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain. “The world often teaches us to seek security in wealth, success, or comfort. But Paul reminds us that these things are temporary. If our hope is only for this life, we are, as he says, “the most pitiable of all people. “But because Christ has truly risen, we know that suffering and death do not have the final word. This is why we can endure hardship with faith, why we can remain firm in hope even when life is difficult. We are not just living for this world—we are living for eternity.

     Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes, but in a way that might disturb us. He does not just say, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” as in Matthew’s Gospel. Instead, He says, “Blessed are you who are poor… Blessed are you who are hungry… Blessed are you who weep now…”

And He follows this with warnings: “Woe to you who are rich… Woe to you who are filled now… Woe to you who laugh now…”

     At first glance, these words seem shocking. Is Jesus condemning wealth or happiness? No, but He is challenging us to ask: What do I depend on? What am I seeking in life?If we put all our trust in riches, comfort, or human approval, we may enjoy temporary satisfaction, but we risk losing sight of God. But if we rely on God, even in suffering, we are truly blessed because our reward is eternal.

How can we live this message in our daily lives?

1.         Trust in God, not in worldly security. When we face difficulties, do we turn to God first, or do we try to solve everything on our own? Prayer and faith must be our foundation.

2.         Recognize that suffering can be a path to blessing. When life is hard, we can either grow bitter or grow closer to God. The cross leads to resurrection.

3.         Be generous with what we have. If Jesus warns against trusting in wealth, we should use our blessings to serve others rather than hoard them for ourselves.

     Brothers and sisters, today’s readings call us to place our trust in God above all else. If we build our lives on Him, we will be like that tree by the water—strong, steady, and fruitful, no matter what comes our way. Let us ask for the grace to trust in the Lord fully, knowing that in Him, we find true blessedness.

God bless you always!!!

Fr. Stan