Beatitudes

Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13; Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 5:1-12a
Notes: In the Gospel of Matthew the Beatitudes are the first teaching of Jesus. Up until that point there are references to repentance, healing the multitude and the announcement of the kingdom.

Up until Matthew chapter 5, Jesus’ teaching was inferred not explicit.

The Beatitudes are the first and highest of all the teachings of Jesus. A summary of all that is to come.

Like a concert piece it is the Overture or a Summary Statement. But much more than that. It is the basis by which we understand all teachings and disciplines and our mode of operation within a sinful world.

If the Ten Commandments are what we are to Do-Not Do, the Beatitudes are how we are to Be-Not Be.

2023

• The Epiphany of the Lord – Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem (Where is the newborn king of the Jews?).
• Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus (Behold the Lamb of God!).
• Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry (Selecting the Apostles).
• Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – The Beatitudes (Overture).

First reading
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law; seek justice, seek humility.

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Second reading
Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.

Alleluia Verse
Rejoice and be glad; your reward will be great in heaven.

Gospel Portion
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.

Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are they who mourn.
Blessed are the meek.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Blessed are the merciful.
Blessed are the clean of heart.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness.
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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry