FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: BLESSED ARE YOU
BY: FR. GERALD M. Musa
HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7 2022
Jesus redefines the meaning of blessedness. He says those who are truly blessed are the poor, the hungry, the hated, and persecuted (Luke 6:17, 20-26). Conversely, He says cursed are the rich, the satisfied, those who enjoy laughter now, and those who enjoy the praises of sycophants. When Jesus talks about the poor, he means those who place their trust in God and those who have a childlike trust in God. Unlike the poor, the rich are those who feel they are self sufficient and have no need for God. A renowned preacher says, “We are rich in the things that perish, but poor in the things of the spirit. We are rich in gadgets, but poor in faith. We are rich in goods, but poor in grace. We are rich in know-how, but poor in character. We are rich in words, but poor in deeds.” In addition, Jesus speaks about the hunger that leads to happiness, which is the hunger for righteousness, virtue, and purity, as well as the hunger for the word of God and the bread of life. He says those who weep are blessed, because they suffer the brokenness of heart over the affliction and sorrows of others and have a deep sense of empathy. Furthermore, the hated and persecuted are blessed because they suffer for a just cause, and a great reward awaits them. Are we ready to walk through the path of blessedness that Jesus shows us?
LUKE 6:17, 20-26
