SUNDAY READING REFLECTIONS:

February 3, 2008
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

READING 1: Zephaniah 2:3;3:12-13
Reading 1 Reflection:

The prophet in the first reading sounds like he is out of touch with the values promoted by many people today: success, power, and riches. Because he is guided by what God values, the prophet advises us to seek justice and humility. Those who heed this advice and live by God's law will find shelter in the Lord.

We are bombarded every day by temptations to make ourselves "Number One." But God invites us to recognize our dependence on God and on one another. If we do, we will find a happiness that cannot be taken away.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

"They shall do no wrong and speak no lies." A lie is an untruth. What happens to relationships between friends when one of the friends lies about something? What happens to family relationships when family members lie to one another? In our country, we have "truth in advertising" laws. This means that a product cannot claim what it cannot deliver. However, many ads use implication rather than outright claims. Can you really jump higher in one athletic shoe rather than another? Is something newer always better? We need advertising and good products, but how can we separate the false from the true in what we see and hear on radio, TV, magazines, and newspapers?

READING 2: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Reading 2 Reflection:

Paul reminds us that God has not chosen us because we are brilliant, powerful, or perfect. God chooses the weak and the foolish, the lowly and imperfect to show the world that it is God who accomplishes all things through us.

This letter to the Corinthians helps us understand that we do not have to boast about our talents or apologize for our weakness. We can be glad that God has chosen us and loves us for who we are.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

If we look around our school or parish, we probably see a lot of ordinary people. If we take a closer look, we may find that these ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. This week, take a closer look at your parish or school. What happens during a day? How are people being helped, encouraged, perhaps fed and clothed, prayed for and with? What are these ordinary people doing each day in response to God's love? How can you show your gratitude that God has chosen you?

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Gospel Reflection:

Can you imagine a series of commercials telling people that the way to be truly happy is to be hungry for justice, poor in spirit, and single-hearted? Viewers might well wonder where these strange messages are coming from. These and the other happiness guidelines, or Beatitudes, come from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He wants his disciples to walk the path of littleness, of mercy, and of forgiveness.

The Beatitudes are a great challenge and an even greater promise of reward. If we live by them, we will be happier right now?as well as in eternity.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Jesus knew that life, perhaps especially life as a Christian, could be difficult. He knew that there were things to be sorrowing about, that people needed mercy, that conflicts and persecutions would come. In all of these situations, Jesus tells us, we are blest. And, if we are merciful, try to make peace, and try to be holy, we will be consoled and rewarded not with riches, or power, or influence but by God, by joy, by peace. Do we want this reward? Would we rather have riches or power? How can we open ourselves to God, joy, and peace?

Reflection by: CYBERFAITH
"Catholic resources for people of Faith"