BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" (Matt 5:3)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

📖Zeph 2:3, 3:12-13; Psalm 146:6c-7, 8b-9a, 9bc-10 (R. Matt 5:3); 1Cor 1:26-31; Matt 5:1-12a
 

Do you remember that Jesus said that even though we are in the world, we do not belong to the world (cf. John 15:19)? As Christians, our ways must be different from the ways of the world. This is the message of today's liturgy.

Looking closely at the Beatitudes which are presented in the Gospel of today, we shall see that they completely uphold ways that are antithetical to the worldly ways. While the world measures happiness by wealth, power and success, the Gospel says it through detachment, meekness, gentleness, mercy, being peaceful and suffering for justice and righteousness.

Again, while the world measures success by what it can immediately see, the Gospel is interested in what becomes of the person in life eternal. "For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and suffers the loss of his soul?" (Mark 8:36).

So, in response to the invitation which Jesus extended to us through the beatitudes, St. Paul reminded us that it was from our nothingness that God chose us into the exalted position of being his children. That means that without him, we are nothing. In order to remain relevant in him and allow him to continue filling us up, we must empty ourselves of all that bloats us. A sack that is already full can no longer take in anything, but that which is empty can take in more. When we empty ourselves, we give God the room to fill us with more blessings, grace and favour.

That is the message of the prophet Zephaniah in the First Reading. Those who are humble shall be left in the presence of God, the good shepherd of Psalm 23 who shall lead them to "pasture and lie down, and none shall make them afraid" (Zeph 3:13). That is symbol of living in the kingdom of God, that is eternal life.

May God grant us the grace to purge ourselves of all that bloat us, making us to forget that our source is only found in God and not in material things. And may those who place their trust in him renew their strength always. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you. It is well with you.

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