St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the fourth week in ordinary time, year A. The first reading tells us the 'Day of the Lord' will come suddenly without any warning, bringing divine justice. This will result in the transformation of society, culture and the lives of the people. Such a life is characterized by simplicity, humility, honesty, peace and meaningful relationship with the Lord. Is our goal such a humble and upright life? What do we do to transform ourselves?

The second reading is a warning to those who are prideful. This passage also calls us to seek humility. Embracing the gospel means seeking lowliness and humility and not honor or status. The power of the gospel is to be found not in Christ’s mighty deeds – great as they are- but in His cross. God chose ‘nobodies’ to demonstrate that their accomplishments were divinely wrought. Our achievements are to be attributed and boasted in the Lord with humility and gratitude.

The gospel presents to us the sermon on the mount about the Beatitudes. Our Lord enumerates a series of fundamental principles or attitudes that bring forth blessedness and a good life, emphasizing the role of littleness. Spiritual poverty and meekness are traits that characterize a blessed life. Blessedness is not contained in an elevated status, but rather in choosing to be little and striving to bring forth that which is good for others. What are the ways that we choose and strive to live a life of blessedness?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony