Homily, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13 | 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 | Matthew 5:1-12



Today is the one time we hear this passage of the Beatitudes as part of the long, continuous reading of the Gospel in ordinary time, other than feasts days so it’s worth thinking about that context as well. So far Matthew in the earlier chapters, has given us Jesus’ genealogy, his infancy narrative with the Magi and the escape to Egypt, the baptism in the Jordan, the temptation in the wilderness, and then his early moments calling his disciples. The content of Jesus’ preaching so far has been simple: repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. For the first time here, we get a real taste of what he means by that. The beatitudes serve as an introduction to the sermon that follows, which in large part presents Jesus’ interpretation of the Law. If much of what he says puzzles his listeners, in the rest of the gospel story, they have the opportunity to interpret what he says by what he does—to find new meaning in his teaching in light of his passion, death, and resurrection.

What does our Lord really mean,’ Blessed are…..’? How can someone be happy when he is mourning? How can someone be happy when he is hungry and thirsty? How can someone be happy when she is persecuted and insulted?

In one of his older video series, I recall Bishop Barron pointing at the famous Isenheim altarpiece, one of the disturbing depictions of the crucifixion, saying; “That is a happy man.” He goes on to suggest that happiness must start from this point on the cross: in loving what Jesus loves and hating what Jesus hates.

So, we could put it like this: true happiness, according to the gospel, doesn’t just mean being cheerful all the time; rather, it means being cheerful about the right things. It means loving good and hating evil. The righteous person, the truly happy person, does mourn. The righteous person is poor in spirit, having a proper humility in the face of God’s mysterious will. The righteous person can be happy in the face of persecution and insult just as a couple deep in love can ignore all difficulties they might encounter because all that matters is the embrace of the beloved. These are counterintuitive things to say, both in the face of a world obsessed with comfort and safety and in the face of a popular Christianity that sees being “blessed” as having just that same comfort and safety. 

Our Lord lived the beatitudes, and he invites us to do the same. The beatitudes are the badges of a true disciples of Christ. They are the condensed gospel. We are aware of political manifestos, statements of what a party stands for, what they intend to achieve if you elect them. This gospel passage is Jesus’ manifesto. It is a manifesto that Jesus promises will bring us near to God.

People who are detached and show gentleness to others, are blessed. Even if they are wealthy, their money does not make them boastful or proud. Grief is the price we must eventually pay for having loved. If you are determined never to cry at a funeral, don’t ever love anyone. The meek and the gentle are the most resilient of people. Good people deeply respect justice and fair play, and they try to win them for others. As you treat others, so you will be treated. If we want to receive mercy and compassion, we must show mercy to others. A pure heart is not devious, deceitful, selfish, or cunning. Jesus did not say we should be passive. Rather he urges us to build bridges of peace with others.

We do not need to be great in the eyes of the world to make a difference. God uses the weak to show his strength. Many of the saints were thought of as of little importance during their lives, yet they are the heroes of the faith. We too can make a difference like them by loving Christ passionately in all we do. May we learn to live the beatitudes and all that they imply.

As you are all aware, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA) is the yearly campaign that supports over 30 ministries and programs throughout our diocese. In past years, you have been so generous in your commitment to this noble cause, and I thank you.

 “Stronger Together” is this year’s theme. 

It has been proven over and over that in unity we are stronger, and our efforts are multiplied. We see this ripple effect permeating all that we do here at All Saints, from our food pantry operations through all other ministries of service. Together we embarked on this historical endeavor of expanding our facilities and building a new Church, and sooner than later our dream will become a reality. We are in this position because we have embraced this together.

You have received information in the mail, providing specifics on the many good works that your contribution to the BAA fosters, as well as how you may participate. As good stewards of God’s gifts, let us all participate and pray for the success of this year’s appeal. Our charitable giving promotes the spread of the Gospel through Christian action and is a tangible way of us fulfilling the sacred mission given to us all. Next week will be our in-pew weekend. 

As Mother Teresa clearly puts it. “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things”. Let us together make an impact.