Father Michael Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 January 29th, 2023 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sermon on the Mount A Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Humility” Reflections on Today’s Scripture In our Readings today, it is not starvation and misery (evil things) that are blessed, but rather, a reliance on God. Those who know their need for God and live life as He would have them live, are truly blessed. Indeed, they are the most fortunate people in the world! Only God can fill the emptiness and the hunger of our hearts. Those who put their trust in humans will be disappointed, whereas, putting trust in God will bring satisfaction. God is the Champion of the poor, the weak and the lowly, who practice integrity and humility. (Zephaniah 2:3-3:12-13) In the Scriptures, survival is measured by one’s total dependence on God. Zephaniah was a minor prophet, only once cited in the New Testament (Matthew 13:41.) But his contribution was quite substantial. Active in the 7th Century B.C., He urged his fellow Judahites to learn from Israel’s downfall to Assyria, 100 years earlier, and recognize those circumstances were also rampant in Judah. Aberrations in morality, religious pride, lack of faith in Yahweh’s power to save and the false sense of security brought about by prosperity were just some of the abuses he saw. Only those who would take refuge in the Lord would survive the coming wrath. The “poor ones,” or the humble of the earth, are the “remnant” from which the new Israel would grow. ~~~ (1 Corinthians1:26-31) To understand /God’s ways and Wisdom, we must often reach int the realms of the incredible and the impractical. †Paul had a difficult time convincing the Corinthians of the value of poverty of spirit, and meekness. Their pretentiousness was wholly self-centered, and they regarded salvation as “pulling oneself up by the bootstraps,” rather than as the gratuitous gift of a loving God. Within this atmosphere of self-sufficiency, †Paul preached the all-sufficient Christ, wisdom of God—in whom alone is salvation and justice. In the last verse of today’s Second Reading, †Paul echoes Jeremiah (9:23-24:) “If anyone wants to boast, let him boast of this—understanding and knowing me”—and that everything came from the Lord, and depends upon Him and His wondrous goodness. ~~~ (Matthew 5: 1-12) We cannot take “by storm” a kingdom that grows only in the hearts of the poor and humble. They will fall prey to inevitable persecutions and hardships, but they will lead to happiness in the Kingdom. †Matthew gives us the account of “the Beatitudes,” as the “bill of rights” of the new Israel. They not only delineate membership in the Kingdom, but they also describe the ethic, whereby such membership can be obtained. The first four groups pertain to the unfortunate ones, humble and lowly of earth, without influence. The second four groups actively seek to affect goodness and justice on the earth. In his Gospel, the “poor” are those who find their home in Christ’s Word, and their treasure in His Kingdom, irrespective of economic status. Unlike †Luke, who puts the setting on a plain, †Matthew places Jesus on a mountain, portraying Him as the New Moses, giver of a “New Law.” The Beatitudes The Sermon on the Mount (†Matthew’s version) contains the essence of Christ’s teaching. They list the qualities He wishes to see in His followers, and were exemplified in His own life. A mere glance shows they are a complete reversal of conventional standards and values: Blessed are the poor in spirit…. Christ tells us we should be happy if we know our need for God, and put our trust in Him, rather than material things. Striving for worldly success and riches may make us the envy of all, but if that fails us, our lives will be empty. It’s not how much monetary success you have, but how rich you are “in God’s eyes” that matters. Blessed are they who mourn…. Christ says true happiness comes from gentility and kindness, and refusing to “trample” on others for your own welfare. These virtues are not signs of weakness, but of strength. There are many vital tasks which only gentleness can accomplish. The world, meanwhile, urges ruthlessness and toughness, causing people to fear you to achieve results. Blessed are the meek…. Christ tell us the most valuable things in life have to be bought with pain and sacrifice. We mustn’t confuse real happiness with cheap and passing thrills. Even though we may “sow” in sorrow, we will “reap” in joy. The world, however, lives by the adage, “live for now,” and strive to keep yourself “high” on one thing or another. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst…. Christ urges us to maintain values and standards, and prepare to live up to them. Worldly hunger for power, status and fame may keep us in “the limelight,” but solid values will strengthen us against temptation. Blessed are the merciful…. Christ tells us we must make allowances for the sins of others, and show mercy and forgiveness to those who make mistakes. Greatness lies in the ability to forgive. The world would have us believe we must “crush” our opponents, without mercy. It may make us seem like “the boss” to others, but it’s a shallow victory, long-term. Blessed are the clean of heart…. Christ teaches us to have clean hearts. It is from the heart that all our thoughts, words and deeds flow. So, if our hearts are clean, so also will be all that flows from it. The world is consumed with the need for clean “skin and teeth,” and the latest clothes. These may make us stand out among others, but again, they are shallow pursuits. Blessed are the persecuted…. Christ shows us value in making peace, spreading understanding among people. Those who welcome strangers and work for a just society are true children of God. Achieving worldly notoriety by sensational exploits may get us headlines, but simply being “outstanding” may not benefit others. Blessed are you when you are insulted…. Christ urges us to stand for “what is right,” and to bear honorable wounds. These are the marks of a true disciple. We should strive to gain honor on earth and glory in heaven. Worldly attempts to skirt the law and avoid penalties may temporarily enrich us, but will bring us no honor. The Beatitudes are our “badges” as disciples of Christ, making us rich in the sight of God. They mark us as children of God. They open our minds to a new way of “seeing and judging,” and give us a new set of bearings. The principles they represent are very beautiful—very precious. Living by their precepts is a life already enjoying the Kingdom of Heaven. Eternal life will merely be the “full blossoming” of a plant that is green with life. 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