Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time | February 13, 2022
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
~ Luke 6:24-26
Brothers and Sisters,
What is our reward for following Jesus?
Whether students in Catholic School or religious education, many of us learned the Beatitudes as kids. Repetitious in format, each Beatitude is structured the same. Beginning with “blessed are…” then a group of persons possessing a particular attribute is qualified (such as “the merciful”) and closes by detailing the group’s just rewards. This ensemble of teachings describes the character of someone who lives for Christ, even when faced with disapproval, discrimination, or persecution. The Beatitudes should serve as our encouragement too. After all, we should be seeking God’s rewards rather than the world’s empty promises. It’s no surprise that Matthew’s account of this essential teaching by Jesus is one of the most read Gospel passages in our liturgy.
However, during our current liturgical year, we hear Jesus’ teaching from the perspective of Luke’s Gospel. After sharing four beatitudes, Luke follows up with four woes, providing a clear message. Living the Gospel is not simple. For those who want to follow Jesus, it is not without cost. At times, we can all be guilty of wanting to be fed by Christ, with no obligation to provide for others. All the more reason to prayerfully assess how we are living and if our lives imitate the generosity, kindness, and compassion of Jesus.
His purpose for coming into our midst is to save us, restoring and strengthening our relationship with God, who desires our ongoing growth. As we approach Lent in a few short weeks (beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 2), I encourage you all to start praying about how God wants you to grow this Lent as a family and individually. How might you incorporate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving? In what ways will you participate and engage in the life of faith and service this Lenten season?
This week, I am departing for rest and recreation and will be away next weekend (thank the Lord for Fr. Anthony’s safe return to us!). Next Sunday, February 20, at 11 am, Mass will be held in the Church only (along with our Saturday 4:30 pm, Sunday 7:30 am, 9 am in Church and livestream, and 5 pm Masses). Our outdoor Mass at 11 am will resume on Sunday, February 27. Thank you for understanding! I am grateful that with the support of altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ministers of hospitality, music ministers, and our growing AV ministry team, as well as OLPH’s dedicated staff, we have been able to maintain a robust Mass schedule. So, we might help our community experience the Lord in the celebration of the Eucharist.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Rev. Michael S. Triplett