Homily  for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

1st February, 2026

“At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others 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.” Matthew 5:1–12

There is something quietly striking about today’s Gospel. Jesus does not begin his great sermon with rules, warnings, or demands. He begins with blessings. On a hillside, looking out at ordinary people—workers, families, the poor, and the weary, Jesus speaks words that turn the world upside down: Blessed are the poor in spirit… blessed are the meek… blessed are the peacemakers.

The Beatitudes are not a checklist for the perfect Christian. They are not a list of heroic achievements. They are, first of all, a description of the heart of Jesus himself. Jesus is poor in spirit—utterly dependent on the Father. Jesus is meek—gentle, not weak. He mourns—Jesus weeps at the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus hungers for righteousness—He longs for God’s will to be done. Our Saviour is merciful, pure of heart, and a peacemaker—ultimately persecuted for righteousness’ sake. In other words, the Beatitudes show us who Jesus Christ is, before they show us how to live them.

Matthew tells us: “Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain.” This is not accidental. Mountains in Scripture are places of revelation. Just as Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Law, Jesus goes up the mountain to give something deeper—not just commandments, but a new way of seeing life.

The world tells us: Blessed are the successful. Blessed are the confident. Blessed are the strong, the loud, the winners.

Jesus, however, says the opposite: Blessed are those who know their need of God. Blessed are those who remain gentle in a harsh world. Blessed are those who choose love even when it costs them. This is not weakness. It is the strength of a heart anchored in God. The Beatitudes confront us with a gentle but challenging question: Where do I place my security? Do I rely on my status, my control, my certainty? Or do I allow God to be my strength?

To be poor in spirit is not to think less of ourselves, but to know that without God we cannot truly live. To be meek is not to be passive, but to refuse to become hard or cruel. To be a peacemaker is not to avoid conflict, but to bring Christ’s love into it. The Beatitudes do not promise an easy life. Jesus is honest: those who live this way may be misunderstood, mocked, or resisted. But he also promises something greater—“theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Not someday only, but already beginning now.

Think of the Beatitudes as a map, not a measuring stick. A measuring stick tells you how well you’re doing. A map shows you where to walk. When life feels confusing, when faith feels costly, Jesus points the way and says: This is the path that leads to life. Today, Jesus invites us not to admire the Beatitudes from a distance, but to let them slowly shape our hearts. One small step at a time: one choice of mercy, humility, or peace at a time.

We are not alone on this path! Mary our Heavenly Mother walks the path with her children. Just think, Mother Mary, the first and greatest disciple walks close by your side. Let her gently guide your steps. Mary knows your struggles. She was poor in spirit, but trusted completely in God. Let her lead you to trust her Son, Jesus. She was meek, pondering all things in her heart. Let her teach you how to pray and ponder God’s greatness. Mary believed the promise before she ever saw its fulfilment. May she teach you how to live the Beatitudes with quiet faith and steady courage.

Fr. Simon Broughton.