HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY THE TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Psalm 45; Luke 6:20-26

 

In the Gospel we have St. Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Sometimes called the “sermon on the plain” because, according to Luke, Jesus came down from the mountain and stopped in a place which was flat and there He gave these words. In Matthew’s Gospel, this same sermon is given on the mountain (Mt 5:1) and is called “The Sermon on the Mount.” In Luke, the sermon is shorter and more radical. It contains four blessings and four curses contrasted – poverty/riches; hunger/fullness; sorrow/laughter; and defamation/commendation. The beatitudes are Christ’s commentaries on our attitudes. Similarly, Paul in the first reading commented on attitude towards chaste living and he says; whether we are married or celibate we must be faithful to our status in life. Beloved in Christ, “your attitude will determine your altitude”. Plainly put, your attitude will determine your eternal destiny. God bless you!

 

LET US PRAY

Lord, free me from the shackles of a bad attitude. Work in my heart and mind to transform my thinking from negative to positive — despite the struggles I face. Fill me with a joy that can only come from You and a passionate desire for deeper values in life through Christ our Lord. Amen.