Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 15:5-8: Today, Jeremiah gives a particularly strong warning for us to place our trust and faith in God, rather than in mere other people or ourselves. The prophet describes the futility and inevitable disappointment and disillusionment, as well as punishment that result from turning away from God. Lack of trust in God is compared to a barren bush in a desert; “enjoying no change of season.” Consider that for a moment. “No change of season” in this case amounts to refusing to avail ourselves of a “rainy season,” or conditions for “showers” of grace, rejuvenation or relief from God. Refusing to trust or have faith in God is refusing life and love and salvation, itself. This attitude would put our souls in a state of perpetual “drought.” Let’s opt for God!

Psalm 1: “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” With this song, we continue to reflect that our faith and trust in God give us hope; especially if we live in obedience to God’s Law and reflect on the  wisdom, virtues and graces that obedience to the Law and trust in God bring. Those who trust and obey are promised that they will “bear fruit in due season.” The lives of the faithful do have “seasons.” There are times of vibrant growth (summer), times of waning growth, illness and grief (fall/winter) and times of “springtime resurrection,” when we are rewarded with confirmation of our faith and with divine healing and answered prayer. Those who trust and believe aren’t anywhere promised freedom from suffering. In fact, the faithful are warned that we will be put to the test. However, only believers are given the “springtime” of resurrection and eternal salvation!

1 Cor 15:12, 16-20:  Today’s message from St. Paul echoes our   established theme of faith and trust in God bringing hope, a meaningful life focus and the consequent promise of salvation. St. Paul ponders how one’s potential choice to reject the faith and trust in God lead to a life without purpose, without hope and without eternal life and salvation. The futility of such a life-view is decried and seen as worthy of eternal damnation. Contrasting this, believers are promised anew; a coming new “season” of eternal Spring; the Resurrection which we will share in. Christ is given the honor of the “first-fruits” of this promised “eternal Spring,” but we, too shall bear fruit and enjoy a timeless season in eternity, if we make the choice to believe and obey. This is a good time for us to ponder the question: Are we making the choice to trust, believe and obey?    

Luke 6:17, 20-26:  Luke indicates that the disciples already trust Jesus, overall. They are following Him, everywhere. Huge crowds  accompany them. Probably, many of them are merely curious. They’re wondering whether Jesus is worthy of their trust. From the beginning of this discourse, Jesus answers their longings to trust Him regarding their most sensitive vulnerabilities. To answer their longing to trust, Jesus makes promises. He promises the Kingdom of God to the poor; food for the hungry, happiness to those in sorrow, and, most importantly, a Heavenly reward to those who are excluded, persecuted, hated or even killed because of their participation in the Christian faith. We know that we can trust in these promises. Yet, do remember that faith and trust are a decision, not a feeling! Make that decision, today, and don’t put it off until tomorrow. Review Jesus’ warning to the worldly at the end of this passage.  Decide today.

Trust Jesus!
Deacon Matt