Scripture for this reflection can be found at Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB
In our gospel for today, we hear the familiar
Beatitudes. We are all familiar with these teachings of Jesus. We’ve heard the
beatitudes numerous times throughout our lives, so much so they have become
like second nature. But the question is: do we really pay attention to what the
Lord is trying to teach us in them?
In these teachings from the Lord, he is teaching us what
our attitudes in life should be, in other words: “Be-attitudes.” The Lord is
calling us to a life of humility. He’s calling us to be more faithful to our
calling as His followers. It’s a way of life that will bring us closer to God.
The Lord starts off by saying, “Blessed are the poor
in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is inviting us to
humility. In other words, we are to think less of ourselves and more of God and
of others in our lives. We are to focus on the command of “Love of God and love
of neighbor.” By focusing on serving God and that of others will lead us to the
rewards of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be
comforted.” We all come across those in our lives that are struggling due to
various issues or problems. We are called to bring comfort to these people by
being available to them, whether by listening or by just being present and
showing compassion to them in their time of need. Sometimes we don’t need to
say anything to those who are suffering, we just need to be “good listeners” to
those who needs someone who is dealing with a problem.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called
children of God” is another teaching that our Lord expects us to follow. If
there’s any dispute or problem within our family or among our friends, we are
called to bring the peace of God into whatever way we can. Bringing the love of
God into any dispute or problem can help solve the issue.
Finally, our Lord reminds us that being his followers
is not easy. He says, “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.” As we live out our lives as
followers of Jesus Christ, let us always remain focused on doing what is right
according to the Lord and His teachings. People may not understand where we are
coming from and attack us for it. Our focus should always be on doing the Will
of God. Pleasing God is more important than worrying about what other people
may think of us.
Let us rejoice that we are followers of Jesus Christ
and pray for those in our lives that may be away from the Lord for whatever
reason. Our reward, then, will be great in heaven.
