The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time can be found at http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012917.cfm
In today's gospel from St. Matthew we have the very familiar Beatitudes. A beatitude, as a literary form, is found frequently in the Old Testament wisdom literature and the Psalms. The Greek word for beatitude is "makarios" and can be translated as "blessed," "happy," or "fortunate" It describes a very positive situation for a person wherein the significant aspects of one's life have come together producing joy and well being. In a religious context this usually indicates a positive relationship with God.
To have a positive relationship with God, we are called by Jesus to have a positive relationship with those around us.
In order to do this, Jesus explains that we need to be humble. Humility is the key to our relationship with God and with others. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) Jesus is teaching us that we need to think less of ourselves and more of God and others in our lives. We are to be less "self-centered" and more "God-centered". Jesus goes on to teach us that we are to seek out righteousness, to be clean of heart, and to be merciful. Righteousness is thinking of others as God would think of them: with love and kindness. To be clean of heart is to remove any hatred towards our neighbors and replace it with love and respect. To be merciful is to show mercy towards those in need.
Will this be easy? Certainly not. "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." (Matthew 11-12)
Today's gospel is challenging us to live a life of love towards God and our neighbor. God is challenging us to change our attitudes with the "beatitudes". In today's gospel, Jesus reminds us of the two great commandments: Love of God and Love of neighbor.
