Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This Sunday’s readings offer a vivid reflection on what it means to find true blessings, where genuine happiness and fulfilment lie. Each reading contrasts those who anchor their hope in human strength and worldly success with those who trust in the Lord’s promises and live according to His ways.

In the first reading (Jeremiah 17:5–8), the prophet proclaims: “Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals… Blessed are those who trust in the Lord.” Immediately, the psalmist echoes a similar sentiment: “Blessed is the one who does not follow the counsel of the wicked… They are like trees planted near streams of water.” This repeated image of a tree planted close to flowing waters symbolises a life that draws nourishment and stability from God, even when outward conditions seem hostile or uncertain. In Jeremiah’s time, the people of Israel faced complex geopolitical threats. Many chose to rely on alliances with powerful neighbouring nations rather than faithfully depending on the Lord. The prophet’s message was simple yet radical: authenticity of faith lies not in temporary alliances or superficial strength but in heartfelt reliance on God’s eternal power. In our own day, we too are tempted to place our trust in fleeting securities – popularity, technology, financial markets, or powerful figures. Scripture calls us to examine where our deepest loyalties lie and to discover our identity in God’s steadfast love, rather than in the constantly shifting climate of external success.

We may find ourselves anxious about our future, our finances, or the uncertain state of society. In times of conflict, economic turmoil, or personal hardship, Jeremiah’s and the psalmist’s words ring ever true: the person who remains grounded in God’s law and love becomes like that tree, unshaken by the storms. Let us ask ourselves: Do we invest our hopes primarily in worldly securities, bank balances, insurance policies and personal networks? Or do we allow our roots to reach deep into divine sustenance?

St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:12, 16–20), moves us into the heart of Christian belief: the Resurrection of our Lord. He reminds the community that if Christ has not been raised, all preaching and faith are in vain. This conviction was crucial for Paul’s audience, who grappled with questions about life after death and the meaning of salvation. The apostle responds that without the Resurrection, there is no ultimate victory over sin and death, and our faith loses its transforming power. The early Christian community lived amidst a variety of religious and philosophical currents that challenged the notion of bodily resurrection. Paul thus sets out the cornerstone of Christian identity: Jesus’ Resurrection is not merely a symbolic idea or an inspiring story – it is the definitive act of God that reorders all creation. In every era, there have been doubts and debates about whether faith is simply a moral system or an empty set of rituals. St Paul insists that it is neither. Christian faith, anchored in the risen Christ, is a living encounter that reshapes the human person and all of society from the inside out.

In the face of secular or materialistic mindsets, we too might be tempted to reduce our faith to a social code, an optional moral compass, or a nostalgic tradition. But the Resurrection stands as the heart of our hope. When our life is rooted in the reality of the Risen One, every trial, every challenge, and even death itself can be approached with confidence and peace. Let us renew our conviction that our faith truly stands on the empty tomb and that this reality should permeate our choices, relationships, and service to others.

In the Gospel (Luke 6:17, 20–26), Jesus proclaims blessings and woes, offering a startling vision that contrasts sharply with what society often values. “Blessed are you who are poor… Woe to you who are rich.” In Luke’s account, the Lord directly addresses His disciples, challenging them with the radical nature of God’s kingdom. In the ancient world, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favour, while poverty could be regarded as divine punishment. Jesus dismantles such thinking by highlighting that the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the persecuted stand under God’s special compassion and grace. These words are not a condemnation of wealth itself but a challenge to any form of arrogance or complacency that separates us from real dependence on God. In a society where success is frequently measured by personal wealth or status, Jesus’ teaching calls us to an uncomfortable but liberating truth: our ultimate security is in God alone. The poor, those who mourn, and those who hunger for justice often see God’s hand at work because they have fewer illusions of self-sufficiency. Conversely, those who are confident in their riches, who are well-fed, and who enjoy constant praise may forget their need for grace.

Let us examine whether our prosperity, education, or public image ever blind us to the needs of the vulnerable. When was the last time we reached out to someone in need without expecting anything in return? Do we regularly risk comfort for the sake of doing what is right and just?  In our parish and communities, are we attentive to those who are lonely or struggling financially? How might we, individually and collectively, become instruments of Christ’s mercy, standing in solidarity with those in distress?

Dear friends, the Scriptures this Sunday invite us to an ongoing conversion of heart. Our world often celebrates power and wealth, but the Kingdom proclaimed by Christ teaches a different set of priorities. Like the tree by the stream in Jeremiah, we are called to place our trust and hope in the Lord, confident that He alone can sustain us through every season of life. St Paul reminds us that the Resurrection is the bedrock of our faith, the reason we can face life’s trials with hope. And in the Gospel, Jesus upends conventional wisdom, challenging our attachments, assumptions, and pride.

Each evening, take a few moments to reflect: Have I trusted in my strength today, or have I turned to the Lord for wisdom and guidance? Look for specific ways to share your resources with those who are struggling, whether through parish outreach, food banks, or simple acts of kindness to neighbours. In discussions about faith – whether at home, work, school or with friends – never be ashamed to speak of the Risen Christ as the heart of our hope. Our society needs believers who confidently and compassionately witness to the living God. The message of this Sunday’s readings is both challenging and liberating: we do not find lasting security in human power or material wealth, but in trusting the One who conquered death. As we continue our celebration of the Eucharist, let us ask for the grace to align our lives more fully with God’s kingdom. May we be people who are deeply rooted in the living waters of Christ’s word, constantly renewed by the hope of the Resurrection and ready to serve with humility and compassion.

May the Lord strengthen us to be “like trees planted by the water,” bearing abundant fruit for His glory and for the transformation of our society. Amen.