Ordinary Time

January 28, 2023

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the foundational scriptures of Christianity. Jesus is quoted as outlining the breadth of God’s love and thus sets the standard for our love of others. He recognizes we are all subject to challenges for which he is always with us. He describes both our need to be meek* as well as to answer our call to do justice. He opens the door to our striving to interact with others on the higher ground of mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking. Finally, he reminds us that we are called to love like him in the storm of evil, working its will throughout the earth, yet we remain in the shelter of his blessings.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for coming among us to help us humans live in your love. Amen.

*Meek refers to exercising God’s strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness. See at https://biblehub.com/greek/4239.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.