Reflection for February 16, 2025

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Jeremiah 17:5-8 | Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 | 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20 | Luke 6:17, 20-26

The readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to embrace the challenge of the Beatitudes, leading us to a life of true blessedness. They call us to witness to the world the essence of genuine happiness and the profound joy that comes from living in accordance with God's will.

Under Emperor Claudius the Cruel, Rome was shrouded in sorrow. Believing love made men weak, he outlawed marriage, leaving young couples in despair. Yet, Bishop Valentine of Interamna carried an unshakable joy rooted in faith. Defying the decree, he secretly blessed marriages, trusting that God’s will must prevail over fear. One night, soldiers stormed his hidden chapel, arresting him. In prison, he met Julia, his jailer’s blind daughter. Speaking of Christ’s love, he prayed for her, and miraculously, she regained her sight. Her heart opened to faith, leading her family to conversion. Before his execution, Valentine wrote Julia a note of hope, signing it, “From your Valentine.” He died with peace, knowing true joy lies in faithfulness to God. Centuries later, he is remembered not for suffering, but for living the Beatitudes—proving that while happiness fades, divine joy endures.

In everyday usage, the terms “joy” and “happiness” are often considered synonymous; however, there is a fundamental distinction between them. Happiness is dependent on external circumstances or the actions of others. A person may experience happiness when enjoying a favorite dessert, reading an engaging book, receiving flowers on Valentine's Day, achieving a promotion, or engaging in other pleasurable activities. In contrast, joy is a profound sense of fulfillment and completeness that stems from knowing and trusting in God. Unlike happiness, joy is not dictated by external conditions. Regardless of life's challenges—whether they involve family and relationship struggles, health concerns, financial difficulties, persecution, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one—joy remains steadfast and cannot be taken away. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah teaches that true joy is found in placing our trust in God and His promises. He likens a person who trusts in the Lord to a flourishing tree that bears green leaves and abundant fruit. Similarly, the Beatitudes illustrate that living according to God’s will is impossible without His grace. Self-centeredness and material wealth do not lead to genuine joy. Rather, we become truly “blessed,” “fortunate,” and even “enviable” when we place our trust in God, whose love is constant and unwavering. Many of us resemble a small puppy endlessly chasing its tail, believing that joy is always just beyond our grasp. However, true joy does not come from pursuit but from surrender—by entrusting ourselves to the Lord and carrying out our daily responsibilities with faith, joy will naturally follow us wherever we go.

One hectic day at the flower shop, Cecilia, the florist, accidentally swapped two orders. One bouquet was meant for a grand opening, while the other was for a funeral. A furious businessman stormed in. “You sent flowers to my new store that said, ‘Rest in peace!’” Cecilia sighed and shook her head. “Oh, you think you’re upset? You should’ve seen the family who just left. Their funeral flowers said, ‘Good luck in your new location!’”

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul firmly proclaims the resurrection of Jesus, affirming it as a guarantee of our own resurrection. Death is not the conclusion of life but rather the beginning of a new existence. Therefore, we must live our earthly lives with an awareness of the eternal life that awaits us. The heavenly treasures promised to us will be granted, provided we embrace and embody the virtues reflected in these "Better Attitudes." Ultimately, our spiritual condition and manner of living in this world will shape our destiny in the life to come.

One day, Mother Teresa found a woman suffering on the streets of Calcutta, her body covered in sores infested with bugs. With great compassion, Mother Teresa carefully cleaned and dressed the wounds, despite the woman’s continuous cries, insults, and harsh words. After some time, the woman, astonished by such kindness, asked, "Sister, why are you doing this? Not everyone acts as you do. Who taught you?" Mother Teresa gently responded, "My God taught me." Moved by her words, the woman expressed her desire to know this God. With a tender gesture, Mother Teresa kissed her forehead and said, "You already know my God. My God is love."

The Gospel reveals to us who are truly "blessed," "fortunate," or "worthy of admiration." In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that genuine joy requires more than simply adhering to the bare minimum. He calls us to transcend the basic requirements of the Law and to respond to others with love. True love for God and neighbor originates from the heart, finding its worth in this interior disposition. Jesus desires that we be "mabuti" (hesed) rather than merely "mabait" (parush). A person who refrains from harming others is "mabait," but one who actively promotes peace and reconciliation is "mabuti." A politician who does not engage in corruption is "mabait," but a politician who actively combats corruption is "mabuti." A parent who avoids correcting their child’s use of inappropriate language out of fear of causing distress may be considered "mabait," but a parent who disciplines their child to instill values and responsibility is "mabuti." Through the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches that true joy is found in humility, gentleness, kindness, and acceptance of life's losses. It is discovered in the pursuit of justice and righteousness, in sincerity and integrity, and in the effort to be peacemakers. True happiness arises from enduring trials, humiliations, and even injustices when they are suffered for the sake of God. Jesus seeks something deeper than mere legal observance; He calls us to be motivated by love—to live lives of selflessness, concern for others, and devotion to our Father in heaven. While obeying the "letter of the Law" concerns external actions, obeying the "spirit of the Law" requires an interior transformation. As the saying goes, Ang nagbabait-baitan, mapupunta sa langit-langitan—those who feign goodness will find only a counterfeit heaven. Are we merely following rules, or are we choosing to live in love and compassion? History provides countless examples of individuals who embodied the Beatitudes, demonstrating that being "mabuti" leads to unparalleled joy. Do you seek the secret to true happiness? Choose love. Do you wish to be the best Catholic you can be? Choose love. Do you want to bring joy to Christ? Choose love. Love for God is authenticated through love for one's neighbor. Through the Beatitudes, Jesus presents a vision of what it truly means to be God’s people—not simply "mabait," but also "mabuti."  

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