In the Spirit of Feria II infra Hebdomadam II post Epiphaniam
As we journey through the liturgical season following Epiphany, the Church draws our attention to the interplay of faith and divine beatitude through today’s readings from Hebrews 11:33-39 and Luke 6:17-23. These passages invite us to reflect on the endurance of the saints, the paradox of suffering in the Christian life, and the eternal reward promised to those who persevere in faith.
“Faith Conquers, Even in Suffering”
The epistle from Hebrews presents a resounding litany of those who, through faith, achieved great victories for the Kingdom of God and endured unspeakable trials. The author recounts the heroic deeds of the Old Testament saints:
“Who by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners” (Heb. 11:33-34, Douay-Rheims).
Yet, this triumphal litany transitions into a meditation on suffering: others were tortured, mocked, scourged, stoned, and even slain (Heb. 11:35-37). These saints, “of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb. 11:38), endured all this without receiving the fullness of what was promised, for they awaited the coming of Christ to perfect their faith.
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, reminds us that the faith of these saints is not merely in the miracles they wrought, but in their perseverance during trials. He writes:
“They triumphed not only when they prevailed, but even when they suffered; for the courage to endure suffering is a greater victory than miraculous deeds.”
These words lead us to see that the Christian life often calls us to victory through apparent defeat. The ultimate victory is faith that clings to God’s promises, even when His providence seems hidden.
“Blessed Are the Poor, the Hungry, and the Suffering”
This theme of suffering as a path to glory is carried forward in today’s Gospel from Luke 6:17-23, where Our Lord preaches the Beatitudes. Addressing the great multitude gathered to hear Him, Christ declares:
“Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold, your reward is great in heaven.”
The Beatitudes overturn worldly expectations. What the world considers curses—poverty, hunger, weeping, persecution—are declared blessings when endured for the sake of Christ. This reversal of values reminds us that the Christian’s hope lies not in earthly prosperity but in eternal beatitude.
St. Augustine, in his Sermon on the Mount, remarks on these verses:
“Our Lord does not forbid us to seek happiness, but He shows us where true happiness is found—not in the pleasures of this world, but in the possession of God. The poor in spirit are already blessed, for they have begun to renounce the fleeting joys of earth for the everlasting joys of heaven.”
The poor, the hungry, and the sorrowful are blessed not because their afflictions are inherently good, but because these trials, embraced in faith, purify the soul and lead it to rely on God alone. As St. Gregory of Nyssa teaches, “Poverty of spirit opens the gate to the Kingdom, for it detaches the soul from the distractions of this life, making it fit to receive the fullness of divine grace.”
The Epiphany Call to Perseverance and Beatitude
The connection between these two readings lies in their shared call to perseverance. The saints of Hebrews 11 endured by faith, clinging to the promises of God even in suffering. The Beatitudes of Luke 6 remind us that faith transforms earthly trials into a path to eternal happiness. Together, they invite us to reflect on how we are called to live as pilgrims in this world, yearning for the Kingdom to come.
The liturgical season of Epiphany emphasizes Christ’s manifestation to the world, and today’s readings deepen this theme by calling us to manifest His light through lives of faith, hope, and charity. The saints of the Old Testament awaited the coming of the Messiah; we, who live in the light of Christ’s Incarnation, are called to embrace the Beatitudes as our way of life, trusting in the promise of heaven.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask for the intercession of the saints who endured by faith. May their example inspire us to bear our trials with courage, knowing that “our reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23). Let us also take to heart the words of St. Cyprian of Carthage, who exhorts:
“The path to heaven is not through ease and luxury, but through toil and suffering. Let us rejoice when we are found worthy to endure hardships for Christ, for through the Cross we enter into glory.”
A Prayer for Today
O Lord, You have called us to follow in the footsteps of the saints, who by faith conquered kingdoms and endured suffering for Your Name. Grant us the grace to embrace the Beatitudes, to find joy in poverty of spirit, and to persevere in faith during trials. May we, like the saints of old, await with hope the fullness of Your promises. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.