Daily Reflection – Jan 29, 2017
Sunday 29 January 2017
First Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
Responsorial Psalm:
Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Psalm 145(146):7-10
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
Today’s Note: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Reading:
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, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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.”
Reflection:
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. (Matthew 5:12)
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount has been referred to by some commentators as his “manifesto”—a set of observations about the way things are and the way they could be. But have you ever read a manifesto? Many are political and can sound almost funny. Eager to win popular support, candidates or leaders often exaggerate. They promise health, happiness, and prosperity too. Opponents are quick to point out that all this is impossible to guarantee—yet they make similar claims!
Of course, Jesus isn’t campaigning for our vote. We know that when he says that something “will” happen, it’s completely different from the exaggerated promises of politicians. So in the Beatitudes, he is saying, with certainty, “This is how it will be. Do you want to be a part of it?”
Take a minute to reread the Beatitudes now, and substitute the word “might” each time you see the word “will.” “They might be comforted. . . . They might inherit the land.” Not so inspiring, is it? Now read them as they are written. In these words, the almighty Son of God is assuring you beyond doubt that you, who are merciful, will receive mercy; that even though insults are hurled at you, you will have a great reward in heaven. Let that assurance deepen your faith in him.
We all know what it feels like when someone breaks their promise to us. In fact, we can become so accustomed to disappointment that we look skeptically at anyone who makes grand promises. That makes it hard for us to trust in Jesus’ words here.
Do it anyway! Remind yourself that God’s promises are true because he is trustworthy (Hebrews 11:11). Remind yourself that he loves you and wants nothing more than to lift you up into his presence. Today and every day, remind yourself that your faith and hope are in God, and he will never abandon you!
“Thank you, Jesus, that your kingdom will come. I place my hope in you.”
