THE TRUE PATH TO BLESSING AND HAPPINESS

 

Homily for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26

Every human heart longs for happiness. We all desire a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfilment. But the crucial question remains: Where do we seek this happiness? The world today offers many illusions of joy – wealth, status, pleasure, and popularity - but these are often fleeting and deceptive. The readings of this 6th Sunday especially the first and gospel readings remind us that true and lasting happiness can only be found in God.

In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah warns that “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh.” Such a person is like a dry shrub in the desert: lifeless, dry, and fruitless. On the other hand, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Such a person is like a tree planted by the waters, always green, always fruitful, never afraid of the heat or drought. This reminds us that happiness is not found in material success, but in our relationship with God. Those who rely solely on their own strength, money, or influence will eventually face disappointment. But those who put their trust in God will flourish, even in times of trial.

In the Gospel, we hear the Lukan account of the Beatitudes. Luke’s account of the Beatitudes differs from Matthew’s version (Mt 5:1-12). Instead of eight blessings, Luke presents four blessings and four woes, spoken directly to the disciples. This is known as the Sermon on the Plain. In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus tells us that true joy is found not in worldly riches, comfort, or human approval, but in humility, dependence on God, and a hunger for righteousness. On the other hand, Jesus warns those who place their trust in earthly riches, pleasures, and human praise that their joy will not last. What good is success in this world if it leads to emptiness in eternity?

Many people today believe that happiness comes from having more money, being famous, or living a comfortable life. But history shows that many wealthy and successful people are still deeply unhappy. Why? Because true happiness is not about what we have, but about who we are in God’s eyes. The saints understood this well. St. Francis of Assisi gave up his wealth to follow Christ and found deep joy in a life of simplicity and service. Mother Teresa devoted herself to the poor and found her greatest happiness in loving God and others. Their lives teach us that true blessing is found not in chasing worldly success, but in seeking God’s will.

In our day-to-day life, we are faced with a choice: Do we trust in God, or do we rely only on ourselves? Do we seek eternal blessings, or are we distracted by temporary pleasures? Do we live for the Kingdom of God, or do we chase after the world’s approval? The true path to blessing and happiness is the way of faith, trust, and surrender to God. St. Paul emphasizes this point in the second reading by saying that true blessing is found not in earthly success but in eternal life with Christ risen from the dead.

Today, Jesus calls us to true happiness - not the happiness the world gives, but the joy that comes from following him. Let us pray that we may choose the path of blessing by placing our trust in God and living according to His word. When we live for God, we become like a tree planted by the waters - strong, fruitful, and full of life. May we always choose God’s path and find in him our greatest joy, happiness and fulfilment. Amen.