Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 4^th Sunday in
Ordinary Time: January 29, 2023
 
Zeph 2:3; 3:12-13: This thoughtful passage invites us to reflect on the virtue of humility. One way you might define humility is “knowing the truth about oneself… one’s talents and virtues, as well as one’s weaknesses and failings; and being   honest with self and others when speaking about oneself.” Humble people are aware of Whom their talents, accomplishments and treasures come from… from God! The humble soul never forgets that God is the Source of all the blessings that he/she enjoys. Such a soul never ceases to give thanks and glory and praise to God for His magnanimous love and generosity to us. Let’s pray this week to let go of the pride that blinds us to our own flaws and sinfulness; so that we may enjoy the Light that illumines the truly repentant soul.
 
Psalm 146: “Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs! This psalm is companionable to our first reading as it illustrates, so wonderfully, how approachable our God is! In the first verse, the psalmist celebrates our God’s steadfast loyalty and care over us. God’s justice that champions the poor and disempowered is proclaimed; as is God’s compassion for those lacking basic needs and those who are in prison. As we know, those held captive, unjustly are an especially tender focus of God’s compassion. The rest of the psalm expounds on God’s eternal and infinite tenderness and mercy, as well as God’s healing power that enables God to work miracles; such as restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, or mobility to the handicapped. Reflect this week that God is all powerful and that our Blessed Trinity always hears and answers the prayers of the afflicted!
 
1 Cor 1:26-31: In this passage, St. Paul bluntly reminds all of us  Christians to be humble. With unpretentious candor, Paul notes that we weren’t given the gift of eternal salvation through any merits or abilities or accomplishments of ours; but only through the gracious and merciful generosity of God! Some of his audience may have been offended when Paul reminds them, (and us), that not many of us  disciples were wise, powerful, or came from especially good and holy families. In fact, we’ve been “put in our place,” urged to remember that we’re “raw materials,” (poor, weak, foolish, and lowly). Paul doesn’t reflect this back to us to diminish us; but to keep us from becoming blind, spiritually, due to pride or misconceptions that we achieve anything without God’s help. Reflect this week that everything we have comes from God. In view of this, let’s pray with humble thanksgiving and worshipful gratitude.
 
Matt 5:1-12a: Recall that, reflecting on the first reading, we noted that true humility is about recognizing and “owning” one’s virtues and skills and competencies, as well as being honest about one’s sins and shortcomings. Today, as part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus demonstrates that He appreciates virtues and blessings He sees in others. He promises those with each indicated virtue especial “rewards” or positive consequences. Today, Jesus also addresses many with afflictions and those currently suffering. Jesus, gently and tenderly, promises relief. We can’t even imagine the comfort God gives to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones! Imagine the justice that God will give to those who’ve been wronged and the peace that will come to all of our hearts, then! Do take time this week to reflect on God’s unfathomable generosity toward us and approach God with gratitude, praise and thanksgiving.
 
Prayerfully,
Deacon Matt