January 29, 2023, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Psalm 146

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those who are bowed down. Ps. 146:8

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”  Matthew 5:12

Lord, thousands of books try to tell us how to be happy. They all claim to have in their pages the real keys to success and joy. You give us your keys to happiness in these verses from the Sermon you preached on the mountain. Happiness is promised to those who realize their complete helplessness and dependence on you. You promise joy to all who grieve over their own sin and the sins of the world for mercy is theirs. Good is promised to those who hunger and thirst for living right. You promise reward for those who give of themselves for the well-being of others. Suffering for your sake is the road to holiness. Lord, what you teach us is so contrary to what the world teaches. Lord, I pray for the grace to place my hopes in your promises. Remind me that my goal is not temporary happiness, that so many of us seek now, but eternal joy with you. You hold the secret to everlasting happiness. May I live more and more each day these treasures of your wisdom.   Amen