Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus coming down to a level place to speak to his disciples and the crowd. This small detail is powerful. Though Jesus is God, He meets people where they are. God is not distant or unreachable, but present and relatable. This is what makes the God the Son component of the Holy Trinity so powerful.

At first, this passage reminded me of the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel, and I was very fascinated to learn that this is known as the Sermon on the Plain, opposed to the Sermon on the Mount. In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus offers blessings to the poor, hungry, sorrowful, and persecuted while warning the rich, satisfied, joyful, and well-spoken. This message flips common beliefs, both then and now. The world often sees wealth, success, and popularity as signs of happiness, yet Jesus teaches that true joy comes from aligning our lives with God’s kingdom.

There are many non-Christian themes and temptations in today’s world. Following Jesus isn’t always easy. It may mean sacrificing comfort, facing rejection, or standing firm in faith when others disagree. However, Jesus reassures us that any suffering for His sake will be rewarded. Worldly riches and approval are temporary, but God’s blessings are eternal. This passage challenges me to reflect on where I seek happiness. Do I chase after material things, or do I trust in God’s promise?

Ultimately, Jesus calls us to put our hope in Him rather than in our fleeting worldly success. True fulfillment comes from living for God, even when it’s difficult. The blessings He offers—His love, presence, and the promise of eternal life—are far greater than anything the world can give.

-Eva Kraus, Drexel Senior