4th Sunday, Ordinary Time, 2023 - Fr. Leo
The beauty of the Beatitudes we hear in Matthew’s gospel this morning, is how counter-cultural they are, but how at the same time, they speak to the depths of our hearts. There is a paradox encountered when we hear the poetry of the meek and poor teaching the powerful and rich.
I can’t help but think of Mother Tressa of Calcutta who was this paradox, lived out in her being. She was poor, meek, humble and the taunt of skeptics. Yet, she was a merciful peace maker. The spirit of God shone through her as she was able to meet with any head of state without appointment. Her living the beatitudes moved all who knew her. That is why Mother Teresa is held in such esteem today. She brought truth to power, mercy to sin, humbleness to the humbled in meekness, lived as the foundation of life in God.
On hearing the Beatitudes today, I hope that each one of us will be moved by the paradox we hear and let that deeper part of us that resonates with each word, inspire us to choose humility, meekness, and the “foolishness” of living like Christ to the center of our hearts, that our living may extend the paradox of the Spirit in these words into the world until one day there will be no paradox. Only a people gathered in one body rejoicing in the Spirit we share.
“Lord, move our hearts that we may love meekness and humility because of how it makes us one with you. In our sharing in your passion, bring us ever nearer to the fullness of your resurrection. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!