Morality Sunday / Freedom-of-Choice Sunday (Between a Blessing and a Curse)
Jeremiah 17:5-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26
The prophet Jeremiah, in our first reading, presents a striking picture of human society—one that remains just as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago. He categorizes people into two groups: those who bring blessings and those who manifest curses. In modern terms, we might say society is divided into good and bad citizens, faithful friends and traitors, the righteous and the unrighteous.
This Sunday, God calls us to reflect on the ultimate consequences of our moral choices, the destinies of the unrighteous and righteous. It is not our knowledge about God or the theories we learn in school that define us; rather, it is our behavior—our morality—that reveals who we truly are.
Jeremiah describes two types of people, each following a different path, guided by distinct compasses. The first, the cursed person, relies entirely on human wisdom and strength, turning away from God. In biblical terms, the “heart” is the seat of morality, and in the Old Testament, knowing God is not merely about intellectual understanding—it is about living in accordance with His commandments. When a person’s heart turns away from God, it means that His commandments no longer influence their choices or behavior. Such a person is likened to a barren desert—a place of lifelessness and despair.
Conversely, the blessed person places their trust in God. Their heart is firmly rooted in Him, bringing forth fruitfulness and spiritual vitality. This contrast underscores a profound truth: our connection to God is the source of life, while separation from Him leads to spiritual death. Human behavior opens two doors—one leading to life and the other to destruction. A life anchored in human strength alone will perish, but a heart directed by God flourishes in the fullness of life. Psalm 1, our responsorial psalm, reinforces this message: we are either for God or against Him. There is no middle ground.
Today’s Gospel continues the theme of morality and behavior introduced by Jeremiah but adds a crucial dimension—the promise of reward in heaven. Jesus teaches that human life does not end with earthly existence; rather, the choices we make now determine our eternal destiny.
This is an important distinction because, unlike the Old Testament perspective, where blessings were often equated with material success, Jesus expands the concept. Earthly riches, laughter, and fame are not the ultimate signs of divine favor; rather, what truly matters is our moral stance before God.
Jesus also exposes the root causes of the division in society:
• The rich create the poverty of the poor by hoarding wealth.
• Those who laugh often do so at the expense of the suffering of others.
• Some seek praise by using and oppressing others.
• Lies and deceit cause immense suffering for the innocent.
This is not a division created by God but by human actions—our choices determine whether we bring blessings or curses into the world. The blessed and the cursed live side by side, but their ultimate rewards will be vastly different.
Unlike Jeremiah, who focuses on present realities, Jesus directs our attention to the future. The repeated use of “you shall…” in the Gospel reminds us to fix our gaze on what truly matters—eternal life with God. This does not mean the present is unimportant; rather, it highlights the profound truth that our choices today have eternal consequences. We have the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes accountability. Our morality reveals whether we truly believe in heaven. Those who trust in God’s promises follow His commandments, while those who reject Him choose human wisdom as their guide. Our behavior is the visible proof of our decision—either for or against God.
To prevent any illusion that death offers an escape from the consequences of our actions, St. Paul in the second reading affirms the certainty of the resurrection. Every person—whether good or evil—will rise again, and at that moment, the true measure of our lives will be revealed.
This means that blessings and curses are not ultimately determined in this life but at the resurrection. Earthly success is measured by human standards, but God’s judgment comes after death. For those united with God, suffering and injustice do not shake their faith; rather, they see goodness as a duty, regardless of earthly rewards. They strive to bring a taste of heaven to the world, knowing that their ultimate reward is with God.
Our second reading reminds us that sin is every behavior that goes against God’s commandments. To sin is to choose death; to live in sin is to consciously reject heaven and communion with God. It is a declaration that one is a permanent resident of the earth, with no hope of eternity with God.
On the other hand, doing good is a predestination for heaven, a sign of unity with God even while on earth.
Morality Sunday calls us to begin living heaven here and now. To turn our hearts toward God and align our behavior with His commandments is to anticipate heaven while still on earth. The resurrection of Jesus transforms suffering—insults, betrayal, oppression—into steps toward eternal glory.
What is truly tragic today is not simply that good and evil exist, but that so many who claim to be Christians freely choose to disobey God. Consider how many people around the world identify as Christians, and how many places of worship exist, yet human morality continues to collapse!
Just imagine—two predominantly Christian nations, Russia and Ukraine, at war, displaying their capacity for destruction rather than love and reconciliation. Where is the witness of Christ in such actions?
Yet, there is Good News—you can choose to belong to the blessed! The choice is yours. And when you choose righteousness, you make the world a little better by reducing the number of the cursed by one.
Assignment for the Week:
Seek out someone who has offended you and offer them an olive branch.