Homily – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

SCROLL DOWN FOR CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

Dear brothers and sisters, as we reflect on these today’s readings they guide us to the heart of God’s wisdom. The first reading from Zephaniah calls us to seek humility and righteousness, promising that those who remain faithful and humble will be protected and blessed by God. This reading reminds us that God does not abandon those who have little. He stays close to those who place their hope in Him rather than in themselves.  In the second reading, Saint Paul speaks very honestly to the Corinthians. He reminds them—and us—that not many were wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards when God called them.  God chose what is weak to show His strength, and what seems foolish to reveal His wisdom. St. Paul reminds us that God often chooses what the world sees as weak or lowly, so that no one may boast in their own strength, but rather give glory to God. 

Then, in the Gospel, Jesus sits on the mountain and teaches the Beatitudes, showing us that the truly blessed are not the powerful or rich, but the humble, merciful, and pure of heart. Today, let us reflect: How can we live these Beatitudes and allow God’s Spirit to shape our hearts and our daily lives?

The heart of today’s message is the Beatitudes. Jesus goes up the mountain and teaches the Beatitudes. He does not say, “Blessed are the rich, the popular, or the powerful.” Instead, He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers.” Jesus is describing the kind of life that reflects God’s own heart. These are not rules meant to make life harder. They are promises. Jesus is telling us that true happiness is found not in having more, but in loving more; not in pushing others down, but in lifting them up; not in living for ourselves, but in living for God and for others.

Jesus does not warn us against having wealth, but against being owned by it, because money becomes dangerous only when it closes the heart, hardens compassion, or takes the place of God. Riches themselves can be a true blessing when they are received with gratitude and shared with love, that is why Jesus speaks not of the poor alone, but of the poor in spirit—showing that the issue is the attitude of the heart, not the size of one’s bank account. When wealth is guided by faith, it becomes a powerful instrument for good: schools are built, the sick are cared for, families are supported, and the mission of the Church moves forward through the generosity of those who choose to use their resources wisely. The Beatitudes, therefore, are not a rejection of success or responsibility, but an invitation to right order—to place God first, people second, and possessions in their proper place—so that whether we have little or much, we are all called to the same holiness of heart, and we are truly blessed not because of what we own or lack, but because our hearts belong to the Lord.

Brothers and sisters, let us remember that God calls each of us to a life of humility, mercy, and trust. The Beatitudes —they are a path to true happiness and blessing. God chooses the lowly, the meek, and the pure of heart to shine His light in the world.

Let us renew our desire to live these teachings in our daily lives: to be gentle with others, to seek justice, to show mercy, and to place our trust in God above all else. In doing so, we join the community of the blessed and experience the deep joy that only God can give. Amen

CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS – THE BEATITUDES

1. Did Jesus go up the mountain before He taught the people? — Yes
2. Were Jesus’ disciples close to Him when He taught? — Yes
3. Did Jesus say, “Blessed are the poor in spirit”? — Yes
4. Did Jesus teach the Beatitudes inside a house? — No
5. Did Jesus say, “Blessed are the rich”? — No
6. Did Jesus say the meek will inherit the earth? — Yes
7. Did Jesus say blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? — Yes
8. Did Jesus say that only strong people are blessed? — No
9. Did Jesus say the proud will inherit the earth? — No
10. Did Jesus say blessed are those who want revenge? — No
11. Did Jesus say blessed are the merciful? — Yes
12. Did Jesus say blessed are the pure in heart? — Yes
13. Did Jesus say the peacemakers will be called children of God? — Yes
14. Did Jesus say blessed are those who hate others? — No
15. Did Jesus say blessed are the liars? — No
16. Did Jesus say blessed are those who are persecuted for doing right? — Yes
17. Did Jesus say blessed are those who start fights? — No
18. Did Jesus say following Him will always be easy? — No
19. Did Jesus promise a reward in heaven? — Yes
20. Did Jesus say only adults can be blessed? — No