4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 2026 - Year A

Gospel for the day - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

Matthew 5:1-12a
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’


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.’


This is the gospel of the Lord.


Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week.

Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts. If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word please email us: cluster.alpha@outlook.com




Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Of all the good news in the gospels, the Beatitudes are perhaps the best news of all. That is, it's good news for the poor, sorrowing, lowly, hungry, merciful, faithful, peaceful, persecuted, and insulted among us. Those on the other side of the equation - we might call ourselves "those who count for something" in the eyes of the world - may find them more troubling.


Jesus isn't recommending that we all get hungry or get persecuted. Suffering isn't the point. But those of us who imagine we count for something in this world had better make friends with those who don't count at all, since they inherit the earth and the kingdom. We had better stand with the voiceless and powerless, we had better champion their cause and be their comfort. Because if we don't use our every advantage to their advantage, how are we going to face the Lord who called the lowly his blessed ones? 


Alice Camille, The Transforming Word


Q1. Count the advantages you have in worldly standards. How do you put them at the service of the disadvantaged? [A.C.]

Q2. When you heard the Beatitudes announced today, which one struck you most strongly?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


For Pope Leo, as he encourages the church to prayerfully unite in spirit, hope and solidarity with those who are increasingly being persecuted for their faith, in Syria, Nigeria and Iran. May they know the power of God’s presence with them.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer


For our world leaders, that they will govern wisely in ways that are peace-loving, considerate and full of mercy, and not govern from fear or pride. May they recognise the futility of war, and find ways to promote dialogue and understanding between nations and racial groups, and bring an end to all conflict.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer


For greater respect for the balance within nature, that everyone will honour the way in which God has created the world and be good stewards of it.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer


For those in our the local community with power, money and influence that they will use these gifts for the benefit of all who are powerless, penniless and voiceless. May they create policies that promote fairness and equality for all.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer


For ourselves, that we will be people of the Beatitudes, helping to create a society that builds bridges, not walls, that cares for the poor, feeds the hungry, lifts up the lowly and is always on the side of those who are oppressed or abused.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer


For all who are ill, in pain, in hospital or suffering alone, and everyone on the Prayer Foundation List. May they experience the Lord’s healing touch through professionals, family, and friends, and everyone who cares for them.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For family members, friends and parishioners who have died and in particular Carmelina McGregor, Miroslawa Kruczynska, Irene Turnbull, Alesandra Inglis, Mary Brogan, and Chris Hampton. 

May they experience the joy of their heavenly home. May all who mourn their loved ones, feel God’s consoling presence lifting the weight of their sorrow.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer


We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.



Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 5:13-16
‘You are the light of the world.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

This week, from the first reading in Isaiah to the gospel reading of Matthew, the message is clear, that our lives are to be ones that make a difference to everyone. Mentioned in particular are the poor, the dispossessed and the vulnerable. We are told that the difference should be lovingly practical - feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. The message's simplicity makes it very hard hitting because it is difficult to rationalise away and speaks to individuals of both personal and social responsibility. Our responsibility lies beyond individual kindness, although that is essential; but oppression and the yoke are located in the systems by which we order society. We are told that we cannot ignore this. 


In today's gospel, Jesus tells the crowd that they are the salt of the earth. It is easy to know if salt has been added to a dish, but only after you taste it. Our purpose in life, like salt, is to make a difference by how we act and not what we claim. If you are of a certain age, you may remember a poster that was often outside churches. It read, "if you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" These readings call us to ask ourselves this question.
 

Further on in the gospel, Jesus likens us to lamps who shine on and for everyone. If a light is put on in a room, you can exclude no one from its glance. The readings today are perhaps encapsulated most beautifully by Marianne Williamson's poem "Our Deepest Fear". The first verse reads: 


 "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us."

 

1. Are you frightened of your light, or do you let your light shine?
2. In what way might you be hiding the light of Christ from others? What could you do to improve this?*



 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center