Homily – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

This week the Gospel of Luke shares its version of the Beatitudes – the other being in Matthew’s Gospel. Most agree that it is a guide to living a happy and holy life – which is why this passage of scripture is read on the feast of All Saints. As we know with the life of saints – their lives encountered many diverse challenges.

When Jesus taught this – he spoke in front of his disciples and a large crowd who came from the furthest parts of Israel. A large crowd usually means a mix of different people – in other words, it is aimed at all people in every kind of physical, spiritual or psychological state, particularly those who are suffering.

The wider audience which the text is aimed at and written for were the early Christian converts who were ostracised by the religious and civil authorities. “Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets.”

This signals a reversal of the standards of this age to the standards established by the reign of God. While the Beatitudes have a focus on the future – it is not encouraging us to ignore the present. The reign of God is here for those who consider the poor, hungry and persecuted.

By Fr Hoang Dinh