Fourth Sunday in Ordinary
Time Today's readings speak to us about dependence on God. The first reading
from the Book of Zephaniah (Zeph. 2:3; 3:12-13) reminds us that we need to seek the Lord, seek justice and seek humility.
If we are truly humble, we will realize how much we need - and depend on - the Lord. This selection
from Zephaniah was written at a time when the Jewish people had become lax in the observance of their religious practices,
resulting in proud and arrogant attitudes and behavior. Zephaniah could see that punishment was imminent. Though
the nation of Israel endured many hardships, a faithful remnant survived. These humble ones "shall do no wrong
and speak no lies." These lowly and humble ones shall live in Yahweh's care and safety, "with none to
disturb them." Those who seek the Lord and admit their dependence on God will discover his
guidance and protection - much like a true shepherd who provides for, and protects, his flock. It takes a certain amount
of humility to admit our dependence on anyone or anything in this self-sufficient, "me generation" society; but
we must never lose sight of the fact that all that we have (our talent, our health, our home, etc.) comes from a God who loves
us deeply. With God at our side, we shall not be disturbed. Just call on Him! The
second reading for this Sunday comes from St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 1:26-31). Paul also
speaks about humility and dependence on God. The Corinthians are to realize that they are not among the city's most
intelligent, noble or affluent people. Those whom God chooses are rarely the wise, the influential or well-born; rather
he chooses the lowly and despised, the foolish and the weak. Therefore, there can be no boasting on their part.
Paul goes on to say that one's station in life is not important to God; neither is one's
power, money or influence. God chooses the most unlikely instruments to do his work. After all, Paul himself persecuted
Christians, until God knocked him off his high horse! God has a special love for the lovely, the
weak, the outcasts, the humble. Everything they have, every blessing they receive comes from him. It's okay
to be a 'nobody.' 'Nobodies' give glory and praise to Christ Jesus. It is very clear to the humble that
it is not their abilities, but rather the power of God that is at work through them. "Whoever boasts, should boast
in the Lord." In the Gospel of Matthew (Matt. 5:1-12), the preaching of Jesus has attracted
crowds of people. He delivers what has come to be known as the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes were a teaching,
not a set of laws. The Beatitudes describe a life situation and draw a connection between a particular manner of behavior
and the results that flow from such behavior. For example, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
It is very similar to the "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" concept. A
closer study of the Beatitudes reveals that the first few speak about those people for whom God has a special love; the lowly,
the hungry, those who mourn. They are loved and blessed by God, and he will take care of them. The next group
of Beatitudes addresses how the faithful ideally behave. They will reach out with mercy, further justice, work for peace
and undergo persecution for the sake of righteousness. They will rejoice and be glad, for their reward will be great
in heaven. This behavior is the opposite of what is taught by today's society. Society
teaches that those who strive for power will be rewarded. Notice the emphasis that is placed on one's appearance
or athletic ability. So much pressure to be perfect! The Beatitudes, then, are a challenge
to what society advocates as the proper behavior that will guarantee rewards. In the Beatitudes, God's reign is
what matters. The humble, the meek, the hungry, the poor and lowly know that they are loved by God and they do what
God asks of them. They do not boast. God does not ask us to choose material poverty for
ourselves or for our family. He calls us to a poverty of spirit, where we see all beings as equally valued and loved.
If we all practice and followed the true spirit of the Beatitudes, we would discover the kingdom of heaven is now. The
Kingdom of Heaven is within each humble heart that seeks the Lord. -Sunday, January 30, 2005 | 