Reading I: Jerimiah 17:5-8
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
GOSPEL: Luke 6:17, 20-26
Where Do You Place Your Hope?
In the first reading today, Jeremiah warns us against something that seems decidedly Christian. The prophet says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings.” But isn’t that a big part of being a Christian? Aren’t we supposed to love and trust one another? Taken out of context, this could be a confusing passage indeed. But when you understand a bit of the history and you reflect on it in light of the other readings, a much clearer meaning comes through.
The Meaning of “Trust”
The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament that most New Testament writers, including Paul, are usually referring to when they talk about what was written in “the Scriptures.” So it’s often important to look back to the original meanings of words and phrases as they were translated from Hebrew into Greek.
In the case of the Hebrew word batah (“trust” or “rely”), the Septuagint uses the phrase “have hope.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “hope” is the theological virtue whereby we long for the Kingdom and place our trust in Christ, instead of relying on our own deeds to redeem us.
When you look at the first reading today and insert “has hope” in place of “trusts,” it reads differently, especially in light of Catholic teachings. “Cursed is the one who has hope in human beings…” If we place our trust – our hope for redemption and our desire to be in heaven with our Father – in human beings and not in Christ, then we probably are cursed!
Place Your Hope in Christ
Saint Paul makes it very clear: if you don’t believe that Christ was resurrected, then your faith is in vain. Because if Christ is still in the grave, then this world is all that there is. There is nothing to look forward to after our death. There is no heaven – no Kingdom. If we have put our hope in Christ and it’s only for this life, then “we are the most pitiable people.”
But it can be hard to truly put your hope in Jesus these days. The world seems to be crumbling around us, and we’ve been on the lookout for a true hero from among us for a long time now. Yes, we hear the Good News proclaimed… but two-thousand years seems like a long time ago. Jesus can start to feel like just another historical hero from the distant past.
Riches, Now or Later?
When we hear the gospel reading today, it can be even harder for us. Jesus challenges us by offering balanced images. The poor are blessed, while there is only woe to those who are rich. Likewise, those who are hungry or sad are blessed, while those who are satisfied or happy will not be rewarded in God’s kingdom. How is a middle class American supposed to take that? If I have a nice house, a warm bed, hot food, and I’m happy with life, does that mean that I cannot be with God once this life is through?
It’s a difficult message for us to hear and we certainly need to take St. Paul’s advice to heart. We need to trust in Christ. We need to put our hope in him. If we do that, our focus won’t be on money, wealth, fame, and power. Our focus will be on loving God, helping others, and building the kingdom here on earth.
Life Applications:
In what ways do you put your hope in people?
In what ways do you put your hope in Christ?
How do you respond when you hear, “Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry?”
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C):
Original article by Brandon Jubar, 2007-2022.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.