Homily For The 6th Sunday In Ordinary Time Year C.

Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1:1-4,6; 1 Corinthians 15:12 16-20; Luke 6:17. 20-26.

 

“PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD!”

 

By: Rev. Fr. Charles Onyeka Ezejide.

·      Every day, we are invited to make choices. Even refusing to choose is a choice in itself. Since we are confronted with choices daily, why not make the right choice today?

·    The readings of today which is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, present arguments for making informed choices. Every choice we make there is a corresponding reward or consequence.

·     The choice before us today is to put our trust in God or to trust in man. We ought to be aware that man is transient and may not be able to keep up with all expectations. While God is all-powerful and all-knowing, hence he can do all things.

·      The Prophet Jeremiah in the first reading (Jeremiah 17:5-8), presents his argument for why we should put our trust in God. He said, “Cursed be the man who trusts in man...he shall see no good come.” On the other hand, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.”

·       Jeremiah emphasizes that it is one thing to trust in God and it is another thing for God to be your trust. However, those who realize that placing their trust in God is more beneficial have a lot to be thankful for. They are like trees planted by the riverside, they will never run dry because God is the source of their strength. 

·       St. Paul in the second reading (1 Corinthians 15:12. 16-20) further advances for placing our trust in God or choosing God. St. Paul draws his argument from the fact that Christ promised that he would die and be raised and he did. The fact that Christ rose from the dead as an establishment of the power of the resurrection reinforces our faith in him.

·      Dearly beloved, our faith in God would have become a laughing stock had Christ not risen from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is one promise fulfilled giving us hope in the possibility of the fulfillment of other promises.

·      The Gospel reading (Luke 6: l 7.20-26) which is the beatitudes according to St. Luke makes an important interjection to today's reflection. This interjection is that while we are invited to put our trust in the Lord, we must be aware of the corresponding benefits and consequences.

·    The consequence of choosing may include that we may be poor but we are assured the kingdom of God. Following God may come with a lot of pain and persecution but while we may weep now, we shall laugh later. No matter the resistance and persecution we face, relax, your day of reward will come.

·      Dear friends in Christ, the ways of God are not our ways. Since God is all-knowing and all-powerful, he has never failed in his promise to us. He has never changed nor disappointed us before, it is more beneficial and reasonable to trust him.  That is why even the psalmist of today reiterates, “Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.” (Ps. 40:4).

·      May the good Lord bless his words in our hearts, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

·      Happy Sunday!!!