Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 16 February ‘25
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 17:5-8. Psalm 1. 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20. Luke 6:17, 20-26.
Anchor Points
The term ‘anchor’ originates from maritime and nautical vocabulary. An anchor stabilizes a moving ship or a large vessel, preventing it from drifting due to waves or storms. However, not every place is suitable for anchoring—soft sand, muddy seabed, or rocky underwater terrain may not hold an anchor firmly. A secure anchor point is essential to keep the vessel steady and safe.
The logo of Jubilee 2025 ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ features human figures clinging to an anchor, symbolizing faith and stability.
Today’s scripture readings invite us to reflect on our own anchor points. Where do we place our faith and trust? Only when we anchor ourselves in the right foundation can we stand firm, live securely, and continue progressing in life.
Trust in humans vs. Trust in God
In today’s first reading (Jer 17:5-8), the prophet contrasts two forms of trust: (a) Trust in human strength; (b) Trust in the Lord. Jeremiah illustrates the fate of those who rely on human power—disappointment and destruction—versus the blessing and stability of those who trust in God alone.
This prophetic message was delivered during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah (cf. 2 Kgs 23:36-37). When Babylonians attacked Judah, Jehoiakim initially surrendered to protect his kingdom. However, a few years later, he formed an alliance with Egypt and rebelled against Babylon. This rebellion backfired—Egypt withdrew its support, and the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar swiftly crushed Judah in 597 BC. Jehoiakim was killed, and Jerusalem was captured.
This is the historical backdrop of Jeremiah’s words: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man” (i.e., Judah’s alliance with Egypt). “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (which Judah failed to do). Jehoiakim anchored his trust in human alliances, seeking immediate relief rather than long-term security.
But as Jeremiah warns, trusting in human strength is like a bush in the desert—it may sprout quickly, but it withers fast due to lack of water. By contrast, those who trust in God are like trees planted by the waters, taking time to grow but eventually bearing fruit that lasts. The message is clear: temporary human solutions may seem effective, but only trust in God provides lasting security.
A secure anchor in Christ’s resurrection
In today’s second reading (1 Cor 15:12, 16-20), St. Paul defends the reality of the resurrection, addressing the doubts of the Corinthian Christians.
The Greek philosophy prevailing in Corinth rejected bodily resurrection. According to their philosophical beliefs, the human soul was trapped in the body, which was considered temporary, weak, and perishable. Thus, they desired liberation from the body, not its restoration.
Paul corrects this flawed thinking: The resurrection is not just spiritual—it includes a transformed body. Just as Christ rose from the dead, so too will those who believe in Him. Trusting in human wisdom over God’s eternal promises is futile. Paul calls the Corinthians to anchor their hope in Christ’s resurrection, rather than in their philosophical worldview, which ultimately leads to despair.
The Beatitudes: A call to anchor in God
In today’s Gospel (Lk 6:17, 20-26), Jesus presents the Beatitudes, contrasting four blessings and four woes.
This differs from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10), which presents eight beatitudes. Luke, however, situates Jesus on a level plain (not a mountain) and includes both blessings and warnings.
At first glance, Jesus’ warnings against wealth, comfort, and recognition may seem surprising. Why would He condemn prosperity, joy, and success?
However, Jesus is not condemning these things in themselves. Rather, He warns that if we anchor our trust in material wealth, temporary pleasures, or human praise, we will eventually experience loss and emptiness.
“Woe to you who are rich” – If we rely solely on material wealth, we will lose sight of God’s providence.
“Woe to you who are well-fed” – If we seek only comfort, we may ignore spiritual hunger.
“Woe to you who laugh now” – If we prioritize temporary joys, we risk avoiding deeper truths.
“Woe to you when people praise you” – Seeking human approval can lead to compromise and moral failure.
Conversely, poverty, hunger, sorrow, and rejection can draw us closer to God—not because suffering is good, but because it shifts our trust from temporary things to eternal realities.
Just as Jeremiah and Paul warn against anchoring our faith in what is temporary, Jesus calls us to secure our foundation in God’s eternal promises.
Where is our anchor point?
The message of today’s readings is unified: Jeremiah warns that trusting in human strength leads to disaster—trust in God alone. Paul urges us not to anchor our hope in a perishable body, but in the imperishable resurrection of Christ. Jesus cautions against placing trust in wealth, pleasure, or human approval, instead calling us to seek eternal security in God. A human anchor is weak, but God’s anchor is firm.
How can we ensure that our faith is anchored in God? There are three ways to anchor our trust in God:
(a) Expand our perspective
A short-sighted sailor drops anchor in the nearest soft ground. But a wise sailor moves the ship to a secure location before anchoring. Likewise, a short-sighted person seeks immediate comfort and security without considering long-term consequences.
King Jehoiakim sought a quick political solution rather than trusting in God’s protection. The Corinthians limited their vision to the present life, rather than the eternal resurrection. The wealthy and comfortable in Jesus’ time clung to temporary securities, missing the greater reality of God’s kingdom. A true believer sees beyond the present and anchors their faith in God’s eternal promises.
(b) Resist immediate gratification
The world constantly tempts us with instant rewards—wealth, pleasure, fame, success. While these may bring temporary joy, they do not provide lasting fulfilment.
Social media, advertising, and modern culture pull us toward quick satisfaction. However, what is easily gained is often easily lost. True faith requires patience—investing in things that endure, rather than things that fade.
(c) Reduce distractions and focus on God
A sailor who tries to anchor in two places at once will ultimately fail to secure the ship. Likewise, divided trust cannot sustain us.
King Jehoiakim tried to rely on both Egypt and Babylon but failed. The Corinthians wavered between philosophy and faith, but only resurrection secures eternal life. Many today seek both material success and deep faith, but one will eventually take priority. To truly anchor in God, we must make a decisive choice and remain committed.
Final thought
When we broaden our vision, resist temporary distractions, and focus our trust fully on God, we become like a tree planted by the waters—firm, unshaken, and always bearing fruit.
As today’s Psalm 1 declares:
“Blessed is the one who delights in the Lord’s law… He is like a tree planted by the waters; he bears fruit in season and prospers in all he does.”
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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