Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C: February 13, 2022
Readings: Jeremiah 17:5–8; Psalm 1:1–4, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16–20; Luke 6:17, 20–26
Jesus preaching on a plain To listen to my audio-video reflections on YouTube, please click here |
This week, Karnataka State saw the turmoil surrounding the students' dressing in schools and colleges based on their religious affiliations. Not only did the state government fail to act quickly and bring the situation under control, in fact, many in the ruling party also fuelled the situation almost like pouring oil on the fire. The sitaution showed us how young students' minds are poisoned and divided on religious lines. This also showcased the lack of critical thinking being fostered in our education system. The present generation of students would be one day our rulers, bureaucrats and civil society carrying forward the heritage of living in a peaceful and harmonious society. A little spark of wickedness and evil had its say in destroying the communal peace and harmony in our state. Moreover, teachers and parents alike kept their mouths shut so that hatred, animosity, communalism is strengthened and triumphed. We are creating in our schools and colleges reactionaries and not reasoning people, rowdies and not respectful citizens. St Antony of Egypt (251-356) says, “a time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.’” With this in the background, we must read and reflect the liturgical readings of this Sunday.
1. Trusting in the blessedness of God
The first reading from the book of Prophet Jeremiah (17:5–8) and the Psalm 1 speak about how the relationship between God and His people is fostered. It also speaks about the ways of the wicked and the ways of God. In every relationship, trust is very important. If a person believes in himself or herself, his or her abilities and makes oneself God then such a person according to the prophet a cursed one, because the person has turned away from the Lord. Such a person is like living in a desert or wilderness without much scope for survival. Therefore, the prophet calls for a relationship with God that is of relishing and resilient. "Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:7). It is a trust-based relationship, built on mutual respect and reverence, of confidence and concern. Such a relationship is lasting and eternal.