Homily - Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I, 2025)

📖 Readings:

  • Colossians 3:1-11

  • Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab

  • Luke 6:20-26



Introduction 
A little boy once asked his mother: “Mom, if heaven is for the poor, why are you always working so hard to make money?” The mother smiled and said, “So that we can stay poor in humility and rich in faith.” Sometimes, children remind us that our priorities are upside down!

The Word of God

  • Colossians 3 reminds us that our true life is hidden with Christ in God. We are called to “seek the things that are above”—to put away anger, greed, pride, and selfishness, and to put on Christ. In Him, all divisions disappear.

  • Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise that recognizes God’s greatness and the blessings of His reign. It reminds us that true joy comes not from possessions but from living under God’s kingship.

  • Luke 6:20-26 gives us the Beatitudes and the woes. Jesus reverses the logic of the world: the poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted are blessed; while the rich, satisfied, and applauded risk losing sight of God. This is not condemnation of wealth, but a warning against self-sufficiency and forgetting the poor.

Connection of the Readings
The readings invite us to re-orient our lives. Paul tells us to strip away the old self and clothe ourselves with Christ. The Gospel shows us what that new life looks like—rooted in humility, compassion, and trust in God rather than material security.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I seeking the things of heaven, or am I consumed by earthly ambitions?

  2. Do I see the face of Christ in the poor, hungry, and marginalized?

  3. Which “old self” attitudes—anger, pride, greed—do I still cling to?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality)

  • The Jubilee Year of Hope reminds us that God calls us to let go of what enslaves us and to walk in the freedom of Christ.

  • The Synod on Synodality calls us to listen, walk with the excluded, and build a Church where the poor feel at home. Living the Beatitudes is the surest way to make the Church a home for all.

Inspiration / Motivation
The world tells us: “Happy are those who are successful, powerful, and admired.” Jesus tells us: “Blessed are those who are humble, faithful, and merciful.” If we live the Beatitudes, we may not always be popular, but we will always be close to the heart of God.

Quote
“Jesus does not call us to comfort, but to greatness—the greatness of love.”

Final Thoughts
The readings challenge us to measure success not by what we accumulate, but by how we love. The true treasure is to live in Christ and to share His compassion with the world.

Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You teach us that true blessedness is found in trust, humility, and compassion.
Help me to strip away the old self and to clothe myself with Your love.
Give me courage to live the Beatitudes daily—
to serve the poor, comfort the sorrowful, and walk humbly with You.
May this day be a witness of Your Kingdom here on earth.
Amen.

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