Sunday, January 29, 2023: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
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.”
Was there ever a time in your life that you felt utterly bereft, yet knew that God was with you? Those are the times that we are truly “poor in spirit”, yet close to God because we have been hollowed out. Sometimes spiritual emptiness creates a space for God that wouldn’t have been present otherwise.
In today’s gospel, Jesus is saying that those who rely on God utterly and completely are blessed. These are the ones who recognize their need for God, and in doing so, find a comfort and a strength the world cannot provide.
During times of loss and heartbreak, it can be challenging to turn to God to fill our needs. We might have the misguided notion that we are self-sufficient, or we might turn to mind-numbing behavior (alcohol, drugs or food) to soothe ourselves.
But Jesus says to us in Matthew 11: 28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus invites us to put our trust in the God who is always faithful and always compassionate when the world seems dark and our souls feel desolate. And the only way to know that God is faithful and compassionate is by turning to God when we are weary, and asking for help. That is when our spirits will be consoled, and we will be refreshed.