Message from Fr. Brito:

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus begins his ministry of salvation with these words

The kingdom of God is at hand

 

 

Today in the Gospel Jesus ascends a tall mountain in order to deliver his great sermon. He teaches us how we can enter this Kingdom.

He will challenge the world view about those who are blessed.

First Jesus Says:

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

What? Blessed are the poor, the humble and the lowly?

Yes, for God “has cast down the mighty from there thrones and raised the lowly to high places”

“Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted”

This is not just about those who have lost loved ones, but certainly include them. The contrite of heart are those who mourn that they have sinned. When we regret our sins and we turn to God, he comforts us with is mercy and forgiveness.

Blessed are the Meek for the will inherit the land.

The meek are those that do not lord their authority over others. They are like our Lord who came to serve and not to be served. As he says of himself “I am meek and humble of heart”

Blessed are those who Hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

We remain Hungry and thirsty when we deny ourself satisfaction for the sake of the kingdom of God. In reality it is only God who can satisfy our hungry hearts.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Echoing this we say in the Our Father these Words: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God”

It is not just refraining from sinful actions, the clean of heart have work to purify their inner life.

They strive to purify every intention in the light of Christ.

Blessed are the peace makers makers for they will be called children of God

Make me an instrument of peace

 

If this is how we are to find favor with God, then we should strive to live the beatitudes.

Amen

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