4th Sunday of Epiphany
January 29, 2023
Theme: “Go and Proclaim: The Word of God”
First Reading: Micah 6:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:1-2,3-4,5
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:2-5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
Homily by Fr. Val Raymond Magbiro
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus preaches about the beatitudes. The word beatitude came from the Latin word ‘beatum’, which means blessedness and happiness. The happiness that Jesus refers to in His sermon here is not a happiness that is temporary. It is a happiness that is deep, a happiness that stays despite the things that happen around us. It is also a happiness that is already here and now, not something that will come in the future.
Fr. Val starts off with the first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” The poor in spirit are those who trust God because they know that on their own, they truly lack. They lack something that they know only God can fill. The next is “Blessed are those who mourn” – those who mourn because they know they are sinners. Blessed also are the meek – those who are submissive and humble towards God.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are those who have a deep desire to obey Christ. Those who are merciful know that they themselves are sinners needing the mercy of God. Blessed also are the pure in heart, they are honest and truthful, and they only serve one God. The peacemakers are blessed since they never cause division. And finally, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are the ones who fight for what is right. The world may mock them for standing up for what is right, but still they will uphold this.
These beatitudes will make us happy. This is a happiness that we cannot get from material things, but true happiness that comes from God. Through these, we will light the way for the people who walk in darkness.
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