Fourth Sunday of the ordinary time of the year A
Theme: God chose the weak!
On this 4th Sunday of the year A in the ordinary time, our readings invites us to a life of humility; we have no reason to be proud and arrogant. The 2nd reading of today from 1st Corinthians captures it very well. Whatever we have that makes us proud is simply a gift from God, out of his love for you and I and not because we are better than others or the most qualified person to enjoy such a gift or favour. This consciousness should make us humble and not arrogant, because the God who gave it to us in the 1st place can also take it back from us. Suffice it to say that whatever we have is simply a gift from God. The fact that he chooses the weak is enough for us to know that we are not the most qualified and whatever we have is not meritorious. In humility, it becomes easier to impact positively around our circle of influence and propagates the good news of the kingdom of God. The same cannot be said about someone who is proud and arrogant, his actions and attitude keep people away from him or her.
My brothers and sisters in the Lord, the prophet Zephaniah in today’s 1st reading, encourages us to embrace humility in our lives. It is with humility that we can easily reach out to the less privileged and the most abandoned in our midst, without treating them as less humans. This is a group that is very close to the heart of Jesus, and he uses any given opportunity to show that the poor are very dear to him. In the same way my brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to follow the foot path of our Lord Jesus Christ, by giving the poor and less privileged in our society to have that sense of belonging, just like everyone else. This is very important, taking into consideration the fact that what differentiates one person from the other is the blessings and gifts from God. Let us humble ourselves today and resolve to appreciate God by being charitable with the gifts God has given us.
Dearly beloved in Christ, this consciousness will go a long way towards helping us to achieve the Beatitudes presented to us by Jesus in the gospel reading of today. The fact that we recognize what God has done for us, will help us to be humble and also be at the service of those who are not as blessed as we are. This consciousness will change our lives completely and make us a better person. At this point, selflessness becomes a way of life and pride and arrogance have no place any more in our lives. Never think this is not possible, it is very possible because there are some of us already practicing it in their daily lives. As we continue to strive to achieve this, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.