Forth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A.

What's rare is wonderful.


It is very true that more familiar we are with something, no matter how wonderful or beautiful that thing happens to be, the less we appreciate it! This weeks Gospel is a prime example. The Beatitudes- a central part of the Sermon on the Mount- the best homily ever preached! We hear it so often - at funerals- at weddings- at penitential services. It is so familiar that we almost know it off by heart. Maybe here lies in the problem. Is it too familiar. Is it so much part of our Christian story, our liturgy, or experience it can be almost roll of the tongue or page as if they were any other words. The Beatitudes are most wonderful.
Blessed are you! (Even though the translation that is used in this part of world says 'happy') This Sunday when we hear them proclaimed, imagine this the the first time you have ever heard them or ever preached a sermon on them:


Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.




The words of consolation that the Lord gives us are all we could possibly need in this world and the next. In the face of all kinds of difficulty the words of Christ remind us that God's ways are indeed not man's. No matter what life seems to throw at us, we can confidently wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Kingdom we are all part of. 


And how does he conclude?: 


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.


Let us rejoice and be glad this day, for we do not journey alone in life. God is with us.