Homily: Twenty-third Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-third Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Lk: 6:20-26) “Happiness Later”

We have two versions of Jesus’ longest speech. In Matthew it is known as the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus preaches on the side of a mountain. In the Gospel of Luke Jesus comes down from the mountain to preach. The speech is entitled the Sermon on the Plain.

There are other differences between the two sermons. For instance, we have two versions of the beatitudes. Luke’s version has less beatitudes. He also has a list of woes.

Luke paints a picture of those who are blessed by God. The people we would suspect are cursed are said to be blessed. The poor, hungry, grieving, despised people of the world are said to be blessed.

Meanwhile the people who are rich, well fed, happy and popular are said to be cursed. Why does Luke say this. He says this because those who are deprived now will have a greater heavenly reward. And the people who satisfy themselves and ignore the needs of the neighbor on earth will have less happiness in heaven.

The sermon reminds all of us that life on earth is not all there is. No, we have life in heaven for all eternity. That life is the reward for those who believe in God.

We are to live a Christian life that revolves around deferring pleasure to a later time. The moral life we are asked to lead does not make sense to those who want immediate gratification. As Christians we live good and upright lives now even if it means great sacrifice because our priority is always to love God and our neighbor.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Why do I live a moral life? How do I feel about putting off pleasure until later?

2.   Have I ever made sacrifices in anticipation of later happiness? How did that work for me?

Dear Parishioners,

            We started religious education classes for our public grade school students last Sunday after the 9:15 Mass. But it is not too late to register your children. We will accept more students in weeks to come.

            Catechetical training is important for children. Encourage your relatives, friends and neighbors to bring their children to religion classes next Sunday.

            May our Lady of Peace pray for us,

            Fr. Mark