Jer. 17:5-8; 1 Cor. 15:12, 16-20; Lk. 6:17, 20-26
As Angel struggles with her past wounds and fears, she eventually embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual transformation. Through Michael’s unwavering love and God’s grace, she learns to accept forgiveness and find healing. Over time, she realizes that true love is not based on fear or control but on sacrifice and grace. The novel beautifully parallels the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer,
illustrating God’s relentless pursuit of His people, even when they run from Him. Ultimately, Redeeming Love is a profound story of redemption, faith, and the power of divine love to heal even the most broken souls.Todays first reading tells us “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. That person shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.'" [Jer. 17:5-8]”
Abraham left his homeland and journeyed to an unknown land simply because God commanded him to do so (Genesis 12:1-4). He trusted in God’s promise that he would become the father of a great nation, even when he and Sarah were old and childless. When Isaac was finally born, Abraham’s faith was tested again when God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son (Genesis 22:1-14). Abraham obeyed without hesitation, trusting that God would provide. His trust made him like a tree planted by streams of water—his faith was unshaken despite hardships, and he became the father of many nations.
Joseph faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, yet he never wavered in his trust in God. Sold by his brothers and wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife, he spent years in prison. However, instead of despairing, he remained faithful, and in God’s perfect time, he was elevated to the highest position in Egypt. His life was like a tree that remained green even in the harshest drought—despite suffering, he flourished and became a source of blessing to many, saving Egypt and his own family during famine.
When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s pursuing army, they panicked. But Moses trusted in God’s power and reassured them, saying, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). God miraculously parted the sea, leading His people to safety. This shows how trusting in the Lord in the face of trouble brings deliverance and life.
Daniel refused to stop praying to God, even when a decree threatened death. His trust in the Lord did not waver, and God shut the mouths of the lions, saving him. His faithfulness showed that those who trust in God will not be consumed by the trials of life.
In history we see many people who showed extraordinary trust in the Lord. Chiara Badano, an Italian teenager, was diagnosed with bone cancer at 17. Though she suffered greatly, she never lost her faith, often saying, "For you, Jesus." She refused painkillers so she could offer her suffering to God. Her trust remained steadfast, bringing comfort to those around her. Before dying at 18, she smiled and said, "Goodbye. Be happy because I am happy."
These examples tell us that true faith in God is never in vain. Just as a tree planted by water does not wither in drought, those who place their trust in the Lord find strength even in the hardest trials. They do not fear hardships, nor are they anxious in times of uncertainty, because their roots are deep in God's unfailing love and providence.
No matter how difficult life becomes—whether facing persecution, sickness, or loss—those who rely on God will continue to bear fruit. Their faith inspires others, their perseverance brings hope, and their trust in God becomes a testimony to His faithfulness. Let us also strive to be like that tree, firmly rooted in faith, so that in every season of life, we may stand strong and bear witness to God's unshakable love.
In Today’s Gospel Jesus gives the great message of beatitudes. “Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: 'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.”
What does it truly mean to be blessed? In today’s world, many associate blessings with wealth, success, power, and comfort. However, Jesus presents a radically different vision of blessing. In Luke 6:20-22, He turns the world’s expectations upside down, declaring the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the persecuted as blessed. These words, spoken to His disciples, were not mere encouragements but a profound revelation of God's kingdom. To those who suffer and struggle, Jesus offers hope, assuring them that God sees their pain and promises them something far greater.
Jesus begins by blessing the poor. In the Old Testament, poverty is often linked with a deep trust in God. Psalm 34:6 says, “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles.” The poor in spirit are those who acknowledge their dependence on God, recognizing that true wealth comes not from material possessions but from a relationship with Him.
One of the greatest examples of this is St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced his wealthy lifestyle to embrace poverty, finding joy in living for God alone. Today, spiritual poverty invites us to let go of pride and self-sufficiency, depending fully on God’s grace. It also challenges us to care for the materially poor, ensuring that the kingdom of God is not just a future promise but a present reality through our acts of love and justice.
Hunger is a powerful image in Scripture. In Exodus 16, God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, teaching them to rely on Him daily. But beyond physical hunger, Jesus speaks of a deeper longing—the hunger for righteousness. In Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
This hunger is seen in the lives of saints like Mother Teresa, who devoted herself to feeding not only the physically hungry but also those starving for love and dignity. Her life reminds us that true fulfilment does not come from worldly abundance but from living for others. Today, we must ask ourselves: Do we hunger for God’s presence, justice, and holiness, or are we filling our souls with temporary pleasures that leave us empty?
Sorrow and suffering are part of the human experience, but Jesus assures us that our tears are not in vain. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus, showing that God understands and shares in our pain.
A powerful example of redemptive sorrow is seen in St. Monica, who wept for years over her son Augustine’s wayward life. Her prayers and tears bore fruit when Augustine converted and became one of the greatest theologians of the Church. Likewise, our own suffering, when united with Christ, is never meaningless. God promises that our mourning will turn into joy, whether in this life or in eternity. As Christians, we are called to be present for those who grieve, offering them the same hope that Jesus gives us.
Following Christ often means facing opposition. The prophets of the Old Testament, from Jeremiah to Daniel, endured persecution for speaking God’s truth. Jesus Himself warned His followers, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).
Throughout history, countless Christians have suffered for their faith. From the early martyrs in Rome to modern-day believers facing persecution in various parts of the world, their witness reminds us that suffering for Christ is not a defeat but a sign of belonging to Him. While not everyone is called to martyrdom, every Christian will, at some point, face rejection, ridicule, or exclusion for standing firm in their faith. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we willing to endure discomfort for the sake of Christ, or do we compromise to fit in?
How we can live out the Beatitudes in our daily lives is a challenge. The Beatitudes are not distant ideals but a roadmap to holiness and happiness. They challenge us to live differently—to trust in God rather than wealth, to seek justice rather than comfort, to be merciful rather than self-seeking.
Satish