Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
Jeremiah 17: 5-8
Ps. 1
I Corinthians 15: 12, 16-20 [MYL 5, “If in this life only, V. Hildner]
Luke 6: 17, 20-26
Today’s readings are chosen to reflect a pattern of “blessing/woe.” The First Reading, from the book of the prophet Jeremiah, is a reflection on those who trust in man, comparing their fate with those who put their trust in God. Some of the same imagery will be found in today’s Responsorial Psalm, which uses for the metaphor of the blessed that of the “tree planted by running waters, whose leaves never fade.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus preaches “the sermon on the plain” to His disciples in the presence of a large crowd. This set of beatitudes is balanced: four “beatitudes” against four “woes.” Those who are “blest” know that they are dependent on God for all things; the “woes” are for people who have put material possessions in the place that God alone should have.
The Second Reading is a continuation of I Corinthians. Last week, Paul announced the core of the Good News; today, he remonstrates with the church at Corinth for not being consistent in their acceptance. “If Christ is preached as raised from the dead,” he says, then “how is it that some of you say there is no resurrection from the dead?” Paul connects any future immortality with the resurrection of Jesus; he also says that, if this is not so, “you are still in your sins; your faith is worthless.” Because of what is already going on in our lives through Christ, we have hope that there is still more to come.
This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:
Christ, the first fruits of the fallen,
Lives for us, the Tree of Life;
Raised for us, that we might never
Fear the dark and bitter strife.
In our poverty and hunger
We can trust in Christ, our light;
Planted by His living waters,
We can weather drought and blight.
If we seek for consolation
In earth's riches, we shall woe;
Preaching Christ our resurrection,
Blest are we as forth we go!
87.87
suggested tune: Azmon
Introit: Esto mihi (Ps. 31:3,4,2)
Be to me a protecting God and a place of refuge to save me,
for you are my support and my refuge,
and for the sake of your Name, you will lead me and nourish me.
In you, O Lord, do I trust, let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.