Sunday, January 29, 2023
READINGS: Zep 2:3 – 3: 12-13; Ps 146: 6-10; 1 Cor 1: 26-31; Mt 5: 1-12A
The Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time is what is popularly known as Saint Matthew’s “the Sermon on the Mount.” Many scholars think it is the absolute epitome of Jesus’ teachings. To be sure it tells us how we are to live our lives as Catholic Christians and the Christian attitudes we must embrace and be known for. We must remember that first-century believers were waiting and hoping for the arrival of the Messiah and expected him to be a military leader, one who would lead them in a victorious battle against their oppressors – and in this case the Roman occupiers.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives a more accurate perspective of who he is. He begins what we call the Beatitudes (the word means “blessings”) with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In a sense we are all “poor in spirit.” Without the guidance and strength that the Lord provides us there is no way we can escape this poverty of spirit, or spiritual immaturity, if you will.
That is why we often say that living God-centered or Christocentric lives is at the very heart of our faith as Catholics and modern-day disciples. Being a disciple of Christ translates into being grateful; we are only stewards or administrators of the many gifts and blessings we receive in our life. Some scholars believe that Jesus may have given this sermon often during His ministry. Those who followed Jesus and became the earliest Christians, the first members of the Church, were fond of quoting and referring to what the Lord said on this occasion. Constantly being reminded of what Jesus taught and stood for is imperative to our spiritual growth in Jesus Christ.
Jesus provides us with the secret of living a good life. If we know, love and serve him, rely on him for all things, and follow him and all that he taught, we will be blessed, and the kingdom of Heaven will be ours.