First reading 1 Corinthians 7:25-31
The world as we know it is passing away
About remaining celibate, I have no directions from the Lord but give my own opinion as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, has stayed faithful. Well then, I believe that in these present times of stress this is right: that it is good for a man to stay as he is. If you are tied to a wife, do not look for freedom; if you are free of a wife, then do not look for one. But if you marry, it is no sin, and it is not a sin for a young girl to get married. They will have their troubles, though, in their married life, and I should like to spare you that.
Brothers, this is what I mean: our time is growing short. Those who have wives should live as though they had none, and those who mourn should live as though they had nothing to mourn for; those who are enjoying life should live as though there were nothing to laugh about; those whose life is buying things should live as though they had nothing of their own; and those who have to deal with the world should not become engrossed in it. I say this because the world as we know it is passing away.
Responsorial Psalm 44(45):11-12,14-17
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:
forget your own people and your father’s house.
So will the king desire your beauty:
He is your lord, pay homage to him.
The daughter of the king is clothed with splendour,
her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.
She is led to the king with her maiden companions.
They are escorted amid gladness and joy;
they pass within the palace of the king.
Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers:
you will make them princes over all the earth.
Gospel Luke 6:20-26
Fixing his eyes on his disciples Jesus 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.’
________________________________
True happiness
“Fixing his eyes on his disciples…”. Jesus fixes His eyes on us, who are His disciples of today, because the Beatitudes that He presents will be our way of life that defines our identity as His disciples.
Though Jesus declares that the poor, the hungry, the suffering and the rejected are blessed, it is important to note that He is not glorifying poverty and suffering, and they are not blessing in themselves. In fact, Jesus was standing up for the oppressed, bringing hope to the suffering ones, feeding the hungry people, etc. When He says that the poor, the hungry, the suffering and the rejected are blessed is because God is close to them, He identifies Himself with them, and He is always working for their good. Jesus’ words in today’s gospel should bring comfort to us. In moments when we feel vulnerable and weak, God is with us, and He is ready to help us. In Him, we find true happiness. May we experience that God is on our side in our pain and affliction today.
Reflective question:
How is Jesus inviting me to live the Beautidues?
How is Jesus inviting me to live the Beautidues?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
