Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26
The key to understanding today’s readings is the resurrection of Christ. As Paul boldly declares: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain... you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). Without the resurrection, sin and death still reign, and our hope is empty.
From the beginning, sin has brought death and disorder. In Genesis, Adam’s transgression led to a fallen world, where what was once “very good” (Gen. 1:31) became cursed (Gen. 3:17). But Christ, by His death and resurrection, reversed this curse. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). This redemption becomes real in us through baptism—we die to sin and rise to new life (Rom. 6:1-11).
Two Paths: Trust in the Lord or Trust in the World
Today’s readings present us with two choices:
The Way of Trust in God – Those who seek “things above” (Col. 3:1-2) trust in the Lord (Jer. 17:7), meditate on His law (Ps. 1:2), believe in the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-14), and are willing to endure hardship for Christ (Luke 6:20-22).
The Way of Trust in the World – Those who focus only on earthly things rely on human strength (Jer. 17:5), align themselves with sinners (Ps. 1:1), reject the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-14), and measure success by wealth and popularity (Luke 6:24-26).
The blessed person is compared to a tree “planted beside streams of water” (Ps. 1:3). This image reveals an essential truth: we do not plant ourselves—God does. Just as a tree flourishes because of its deep roots in life-giving water, we thrive when we root ourselves in God’s Word. In Jewish tradition, studying Scripture is the highest form of worship because when we pray, we speak to God, but when we study, God speaks to us. This spiritual nourishment keeps us from withering in times of hardship.
Rejoicing in the Promise
“If for this life only we have hope in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all” (1 Cor. 15:19). Jesus’ Beatitudes turn the world’s values upside down. He declares the poor, the hungry, and the persecuted blessed—not because suffering is good, but because their hope is beyond this world.
Christ Himself lived this paradox:
His poverty enriched us (2 Cor. 8:9).
In His hunger, He overcame temptation (Luke 4:2).
His cries were heard by the Father (Heb. 5:7).
He was mocked and insulted at the cross (Luke 23:11, 35-36).
Yet, “now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20).
One of the earliest Christian symbols was the anchor—a sign of unshakable hope. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19-20). There is more to life than what we see. The Kingdom of God is already at work, even in suffering, and our ultimate inheritance is kept for us in heaven (Luke 6:23; Eph. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:4).
So, in times of trial, when the world seems to exalt everything contrary to Christ’s message, we hold firm to His promise: “Rejoice and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23).