Gospel Reflection Feb 1 – Deacon Godfrey

January 30, 2026

Sunday, February 1

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 5: 1-12

Gospel:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,

and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you

and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,

for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Gospel Reflection:

Brethren, today we reflect on the first part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, known as the Beatitudes. At the heart of this text is a profound promise: the promise of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” This represents a promise of eternal life, which can be understood as participation in the very life of God.

Let us take a moment to contemplate this! To inherit the Kingdom of heaven and to participate in the very life of God. This is an incredible gift. This is a gift that no one would want to miss.

However, it is important to recognize that this is not a gift for a passive recipient; there is responsibility involved. We must persevere through persecution and embody mercy, meekness, and humility to inherit the Kingdom of God. Jesus invites us to this difficult path, especially in a world where such traits are seen as weaknesses. What should we do then?

Let us be kind to one another, forgive each other, hold tight to our faith, and reject the voices that lead us away from the Kingdom of God. Even when insulted or persecuted for doing this, we must remember the Lord’s assurance: “Blessed are you when they insult and persecute you… for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Deacon Godfrey Ssebikyu