HOMILY OF SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C
HOMILY OF SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: FINDING JOY AMID ADVERSITY
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa, MA.
Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7; Mark 7:31-37
Our gospel reading today (Luke 6:17, 20-26) is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Luke lists four blessings (Luke 6:20-22) and four corresponding woes (Luke 6:24-26). Notably, he emphasizes the social and economic aspects of discipleship and offers a unique perspective on what it means to follow Jesus.
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Let us first consider the significance of the word “blessed (“makarios” in Greek). “Makarios” is used in the New Testament to describe a state of spiritual well-being. This state is characterized by a deep sense of joy and contentment that comes from living in accordance with God’s will (Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-22).
An example of this biblical notion of blessedness is found in Philippians 4:11-12, where Paul writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”
What’s amazing is that Paul wrote these words while he was in prison in Rome. Despite facing tough times, Paul found happiness and contentment because of his relationship with Jesus. He was able to transcend his circumstances and find joy and contentment in the midst of adversity.
In a similar vein, Jesus says that the people who are truly blessed are those who are struggling—the poor, the hungry, those who are weeping, and those who are being treated unfairly (Luke 6:20-22). What Jesus is saying is that being blessed isn’t about having everything go your way or having all your needs met. It’s about having a deep sense of peace and happiness that comes from knowing God, no matter what’s going on in your life.
As Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). Paul didn’t say he was content because his circumstances were easy; he said he was content because he had learned to trust in God’s goodness and provision, no matter what.
Jesus is saying the same thing to us today. He’s not promising that life will be easy or that our problems will magically disappear. But he is promising that we can find joy, peace, and contentment in him, even in the midst of adversity. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
On the other hand, Jesus issues a solemn warning to four groups of people: the rich, the well-fed, the merry, and those who are well-liked (Luke 6:24-26). Jesus uses the word “woe” (ouai in Greek) to express his deep sorrow and disappointment over the spiritual state of those who have turned away from him (Luke 10:13).
These individuals represent those who have been blessed by God but have not responded with gratitude, humility, and compassion. Instead, they risk becoming self-satisfied and forgetting their dependence on God and their duty to care for others.
We can all relate to this warning. When things are going well in our lives, it’s easy to start feeling self-sufficient and independent from God. We might think that our success is solely due to our own efforts, rather than recognizing God’s hand at work in our lives.
But our blessings are a gift from God. As Moses warned the Israelites, “When you have eaten and are full, and you have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, be careful not to forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:12–14).
May we always remember that our blessings come from God, and may we respond to those blessings with humility, gratitude, and a deepening dependence on Him. By doing so, we can avoid the danger of self-sufficiency and instead cultivate a heart of gratitude and service to others.
Luke’s version of the Beatitudes offers us a unique perspective on what it means to follow Jesus. May we seek to live out our faith in a way that reflects the values of compassion, justice, and service to others. May we remember that our blessings come from God and that we are called to respond to those blessings with humility, gratitude, and a deepening dependence on Him. Amen.
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