Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (1/29/23)

Write an expository homily for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time using these scripture passages: Zephaniah 2:3;3:12-13; Psalms 146:6-7,8-9,9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 5:1-12a; and cross-referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church throughout.

Today's readings remind us that true happiness comes not from worldly success or power, but from humility and trust in God. In the first reading, the prophet Zephaniah urges the people to seek righteousness and humility, for only then will they be protected by God. The Psalmist echoes this message, praising God as the defender of the oppressed and the provider for the needy.

In the second reading, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are not wise or powerful in themselves, but are made so by God's call and grace. And in the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which present the path to true happiness and blessedness. The Catechism teaches us that the Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching and that they express the vocation of the faithful to be poor in spirit, meek, and peacemakers, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Catechism also teaches us that the Beatitudes are the beginning of the Christian life, and that they reveal the ultimate end of human existence, eternal happiness with God. The Beatitudes are not only an exhortation to a certain behavior, but they also reveal the very being of the one who lives them. They are the "portrait" of the one who "is", not of the one who "has" or "does".

In light of this, the Catechism encourages us to meditate on the Beatitudes, to ask ourselves if we are living them, and to strive to conform our lives to them. The Beatitudes are not just ideals for us to strive for, but they are also a source of strength and grace for us to grow in holiness. By living the Beatitudes, we will not only be blessed in this life, but we will also share in the eternal happiness of heaven.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us seek humility and righteousness, let us trust in God and rely on his grace, and let us strive to live the Beatitudes, so that we may one day share in the joy and blessedness of eternal life with God.

Write a Haiku on those scripture passages.

Humility sought
Righteousness, trust in God
Eternal bliss found

Write a Limerick on those same passages.

There once was a prophet named Zeph
Who urged folks to humility and rep
Trust in the Lord above
For blessings and eternal love
And you'll find peace and happiness, I'll bet.

The Beatitudes Jesus did teach
To the poor, meek, and peacemakers, each
Eternal happiness
In God's kingdom, no less
For those who follow them, it's within reach.

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