FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR A

                                                                                                                                 29 January 2023

                                                                                                                      BREAKING OPEN THE WORD

                                                                                                 WORKING FOR GOD’S KINGDOM (Matthew 5: 1-12)

There is a consistency between the Old Testament reading and the Gospel of today in that they speak of the qualities that should mark the life of faith in the face of difficulty – integrity – humility, truthfulness, and steadfastness. There is a call to hope that despite the presence of obstacles, misunderstanding, and sometimes rejection, God still has the power to intervene in our world. For the people in exile, it was no easy matter to continue to believe that God would intervene to re-establish the faithful in their own land. Would it have been any easier for the people of Jesus’ time to hear the words of the beatitudes that proclaimed comfort for mourners, or a sumptuous banquet for those who were starving? There is a fundamental challenge that underlies both these readings: do we really believe that God’s kingdom can be established in our midst? Secondly, are we prepared to work to bring that kingdom into reality?

While the Christians of Corinth felt they were living in that reality Paul knew that while there was division the process of conversion still had a long way to go. Paul was convinced that there is no place for competition or envy. He had already used the example of Jesus’ humble death to show them that jealousy is misplaced in the Christian community since Jesus displayed his power in humble service. He now goes one step further reminding the Corinthians that their own humble origin is a sign that God’s call is best received with humble gratitude.

CHRISTOPHER MONAGAN CP

                                          The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) - [Lyric Video] - The Bible Song:

                                  The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) - [Lyric Video] - The Bible Song - Bing video

  FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR A                                                                                      Tám Mối Phúc Thật:

                                                                                                            (40) Tám Mối Phúc Thật - YouTube