Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

6

Febuary 1, 2026

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,

and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 

He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you

and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,

for your reward will be great in heaven."

+

The Way of Jesus is Not the Way of the World"

~Rev. Paul Galetto, O.S.A.

Pastor, Saint Paul Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.

The Beatitudes are Wisdom teachings. Most if not all the ideas mentioned here are found in the Hebrew Scriptures. Like all Wisdom literature, it states a behavior and then the consequence of that manner of living. This form of writing is meant to encourage some kinds of behavior and discourage others. The values that Jesus encourages are the opposite of what society cherishes.

The first and third beatitudes focus on power. The second and fourth on alleviation of suffering. The fifth, sixth and seventh beatitudes speak of religious piety. The way of the follower of Jesus is not the way of the world. If you want true power, be poor and meek not grasping and treacherous. If you want to be comforted and consoled, instead of seeking gold and a palace, mourn (because it means you have loved someone) and seek honesty, fairness and justice (righteousness). If you want the things of God then act accordingly: be merciful, desire good for all and act peacefully. Not everyone will appreciate what you do and some will hate you for doing what Jesus teaches. When that happens, know you are on the correct path. They want what you seek but they do not have the courage to seek blessedness.

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

~Gia Myers

Immaculate Conception BVM Church + Douglassville, Pa.

Nothing seems more countercultural in today’s world than living according to the Beatitudes! Society prizes wealth, power, and independence. But Jesus calls “blessed” those who are poor in spirit, who place their trust not in possessions or abilities but in God. 

I feel guilty of this whenever I’m cleaning my basement or an overstuffed closet, and I’m forced to confront my many past purchases. In each case, I thought I was buying happiness or fulfilling a “need,” when I was really adding more to the clutter of my earthly life. As Saint Augustine taught us in “The City of God,” attachment to earthly things and love of self are what bind us to the world and distance us from God. 

The Beatitudes continue with Jesus blessing those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, pure of heart, and peacemakers. He also promises heavenly reward to those who are persecuted for His sake. These are not abstract ideals. The Beatitudes describe the very heart of Jesus Himself. They are a roadmap, showing us how to conform our lives to His. When we embody these attitudes – in our families, workplaces, parishes, and communities – we become like Jesus in the world today. I admit that the Beatitudes are not easy to follow on a daily basis. I’ve tried and failed many times, but I keep trying. 

We can use the Beatitudes for spiritual examination, asking ourselves:

• Am I relying more on my own strength than on God?
• Do I show mercy in my relationships?
• Am I willing to be countercultural for the sake of the Gospel?
• Where might God be inviting me to grow in humility, purity of heart, or peacemaking?

Living the Beatitudes is not for the faint of heart! But Jesus promises that those who walk this path will know a deeper joy that leads us to eternal life!