Gospel Reflection Jan 29 – Fr. Lynch
Sunday, January 29
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 5: 1-12a
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:
Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, and although we celebrate this 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, this Sunday’s Gospel is more than ordinary, it is extraordinary; as Jesus begins to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth, which will bring true peace and freedom to those who choose to follow. Through all of Jesus’ followers, God’s kingdom will bring blessings to all the people of the earth. Jesus does this by offering the Great Sermon on the Mount and teaching his disciples the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes are God’s value-added promises for persevering in life in a very meaningful and personal way. It is His promise of our reward. And His reward for us is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. Jesus lets us know that we are not alone, that nothing we do is in vain, that everything we do has merit, and that although we must rely on faith in some of life’s most difficult circumstances, He provides the graces necessary when we feel overwhelmed.
Our Lord taught his disciples back then the same message that two thousand years later He continues to teach to us and through us, his followers today. It is a message that we need to pray for others before ourselves, that we need to make sure that God is part of our everyday lives, that we need to watch and participate in uplifting forms of entertainment, that we need to prioritize that we are getting to Church every Sunday, not just when it is convenient or the monthly thing to do, as well as giving back to your church community and society with your time, talent, and treasures.
By Jesus’ extraordinary gift of the Beatitudes in our lives, may we live our lives with grateful hearts for the infinite love that God has for each and every one of us. That even when we are not sure, Jesus provides insurance and assurance with what He has come to establish, the Kingdom of God in every follower and believer here on this earth and in the Kingdom to come. St. Brigid of Kildare…Pray for us!
Father Lynch