Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
January 29, 2017
Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a
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 (1),
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 (2). Rejoice and be
glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
http://www.usccb.org
The difficult words
(1)The merciful are those who show
great care, love, and forgiveness.
(2)Because of me
here means because of your belief in me.
This week’s spotlight
The beatitudes
The "beatitudes” are eight statements in the plan
for happiness that Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount. The name comes from
the Latin word "beatus," meaning blessed or happy. In the beatitudes,
Jesus teaches the opposite from what the world might say. He says the poor,
meek, and persecuted are blessed - not the rich, proud, and powerful. Why? They
are more open to receiving God because they know how much they need him.
The word of the Lord... Thanks be to God!
At the end of the first and second readings at Mass,
the reader proclaims, “The word of the Lord." The people reply, ‘Thanks be
to God." The reader's statement reminds us that we have just heard God’s
holy word, and the people's reply expresses our joy and gratitude for this
gift. But the reader's words might sound odd. Why doesn't the reader say, 'This
is the word of the Lord"? “The word of the Lord" better matches the
official Latin text of the Mass. It also relates to what we hear at
Communion:The Priest or other minister says. "The Body of Christ" and
we answer. "Amen." To say, 'The word of the Lord” reminds us that we
are also receiving God in his word, and to reply. “Thanks be to God" is
our "Amen" to that.
Reflection
Blessed with happiness!
Blessed are you! Jesus wants you to be happy. In the
Gospels, Jesus tells us his plan for true happiness. It’s not the kind of
happiness the world offers. In fact, Jesus often tells us to do the opposite of
what the world says and does. Jesus says that true happiness comes from God. If
we are open to receiving God, he will help us continue to grow, continue to
become the saints he has called us to be. We won’t find happiness in money,
popularity, or power. We can’t buy it at the mall or win it in a video game.
God will give us everything we need. All we have to do is say “yes” and receive
him. Let’s open our hearts to him, for he is the way to happiness!
Discussion questions
1.What does Jesus teach in today’s Gospel?
2.What are the beautitudes?
3.What does Jesus promise at the end of the Gospel?
After
receiving Holy Communion,
you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in
communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. Help me
to live the beatitudes that you taught, so that I will find true happiness
forever. Let my "Amen" at Holy Communion be a true "Yes” to you
in my heart.
This week…
Recognizing happiness
The beatitudes are about
happiness! Each evening this week, take time to recall the happy little moments of your day. Remember the
faces of those people who made you feel happy. Thank the Lord for these gifts.
Desire happiness for others
Happiness is best when it's
shared with others. You can desire and pray for others to be happy, too! Write
down on paper the names of those whom you want to be happy. Put the sheet in
your prayer comer. When you pray each day, ask God to bless these people.
Puzzle
Source: usccb.org
- Magnifikid - sermons4kids.com – rclblectionary.com
–usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm