Introduction
Homily for 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 2023 by Fr Emmanuel Ochigbo
Music Credit: "The Key to Freedom" by Sr. Jessica Igbokwe
Content
When you compare Christianity with other religions, you will discover one thing that is unique to Christianity.
And it is the fact that Christianity is not just about a set of teachings.
It is primarily about a person.
And the person is Jesus Christ.
You will also discover that in Christianity the teacher and the teaching are one Jesus is not separate from his teaching.
He is the same as his teaching last Sunday.
We encountered the beginning of the public Ministry of Jesus, and he began by inviting followers by calling his new disciples by recruiting disciples and to each of them.
He said, come follow me.
He did not say, come.
Let me teach you something, but he said, come follow me.
And the aim the goal of the following is an ontological change.
He invited followers that he might bring about a transformation in his followers that they may become one with him.
So now in Christianity, we have three becoming one the teacher the teaching, and the thought the teacher the teaching and the disciple are one in Christianity.
So last Sunday, it was the recruitment of disciples.
This Sunday, we now have the formation of the disciples Jesus is now forming the disciples gradually to become like him.
And so today we are in a new school.
And it is the school of Beatitudes on the mountain of Beatitudes, Jesus begins the formation of the new disciples, Archbishop Ford and Shane identifies two related mountains in the Gospels, according to Archbishop Fort and Shane.
The teacher who taught the beatitude on the mountain of Beatitudes will later, climb Another Mountain, the mountain of Calvary to practice, the beatitude in the beatitude.
He taught blessed are the poor in spirit.
The blessed is translated from the Greek macarioi and the Macario that is translated into English as blessed can also be rendered in English as happy.
And that is why in some translations of the Bible you would read blessed are the poor in spirit while other translations will say happy are the poor in spirit blessed and happy are translating the same Greek word Macario.
So the invitation of Jesus Christ to his disciples is an invitation to a life of happiness and the happiness here is the happiness that the world cannot give to us.
And the happiness that the world cannot take away from us for if the world cannot give us such happiness.
The world does not have the capacity the capability to take away that happiness from us.
The beatitude primarily form the portrait of Jesus for when Jesus taught the beatitude to the disciples.
What he was saying is look.
This is me.
This is my picture.
So the beatitude, the portrait of Jesus Christ and by presenting his portraits to his disciples.
He was saying this is how I want you to be.
This is who I want you to be.
And it began by saying, blessed are the poor in spirit.
And who is this poor in spirit? Not long after Jesus said, this you'll realize one of the scribes coming to tell Jesus I will follow you wherever you go to and Jesus said, foxes have their holes the birds of the sky have their nest.
But the son of man has nowhere to lay his head in other words, the son of man is homeless, the son of man is poor.
So the poor here originally is Jesus, Christ himself and it's inviting his disciples into that life.
He goes on to say, blessed are those who mourn.
And who is he referring to here originally, the prophet Isaiah talked about him saying or described him as a man of sorrow familiar with suffering.
Jesus goes on again, to say, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.
And who is this Peacemaker? You remember the prophet Isaiah when he prophesied about Jesus Christ, he said, For unto us.
A child is born For unto us.
The son is given, and it will be called Wonder.
Counselor he'll be called The Prince of Peace.
So Jesus is a peacemaker for excellence at the end of The Gospel towards the end of the Gospel of Mark you'll realize that Jesus Christ at the end of his crucifixion when he gave up the spirit when he died on the cross one of the centurions, the Centurion who was there said of him, This truly was the son of God.
He identified Jesus as the Son of God.
So when Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
He was referring to himself, and he was inviting his disciples to be like him.
He went on again to say, blessed are the meek.
And who is the meek that is referring to here? You remember at the point he would teach and he would invite people to come follow him and say, come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest shoulder.
My yoke and learn from me for my yoke is easier my body and light for I.
Am meek and humble of heart.
So we can take it on that way until the end and we'll realize that Jesus was actually painting his own portrait.
It was a picture of himself that he was presenting to his disciples.
And at the same time, inviting his disciples to be like him.
So it's, not just about the teaching.
It is about an ontological change for those who Embrace this call to become followers of Christ.
Jesus also went on to make it clear to his disciples that the world would treat you the way they treated me for if the world did not receive me, the world will not receive you.
And your reaction to the world should be the way I have reacted to the world.
So that your reward will be the same as the reward I have received.
And so as Christians, we have to ask ourselves as Christians I, ask you have you received the keys that blistered have you been betrayed by someone who was very dear to you? Have you been betrayed by someone that you saved in the past? Have you been let down by your most? Trusted ones, Jesus invites you to compare notes with him.
He knows what it means for he went through the same.
And as you reflect on your lives and compare to what Jesus went through Jesus is also presenting the challenge to you that your response to the world should be the same as his response to the world, the early Christians hidden the call.
If you look at the event of the martyrdom of Stephen, you realize that Stephen responded the way Jesus responded praying for those who persecuted him Paul and Silas were in prison instead of causing the ended up singing and praising God.
And so my dearly beloved in Christ, The, Challenge pours before us today is Christianity is not just about head.
Knowledge.
Christianity is about the transformation of life that we may become one with Jesus.
You remember the story I shared with you a few times.
Now, the story of the Monk and the Scorpion, the monk who was reflecting and praying by the Riverside.
He saw his scorpion that was being swept by the flood into the river.
And he ran bent down and picked the Scorpion to save the Scorpion from drowning, but the Scorpions stung him.
He threw the Scorpion on the ground and tried to nurse his hand.
And the second time he went down again to pick the Scorpion, the Scorpion stung him.
He threw the Scorpion on the ground and tried to nurse his finger.
He went down for the third time and trying to pick this Scorpion.
And someone who was observing what was happening ran to him and said, monk are you out of your mind? You've tried twice to save this Scorpion and his tongue you.
And you are going the third time.
And the monk said, it is a scorpion I.
Am a monk.
It is the nature of the Scorpion to sting.
It is the nature of the Monk to love to save let the Scorpion keep on stinging.
And let the monk go on loving let.
The monk go on saving my dear friends, I am not in any way suggesting to you that after listening to me.
Now you go in search of scorpions to pick them up with your bare hands.
The point I am making here is as Christians haven't been ontologically transformed to become one with Christ.
We must not allow our sweetness to be contaminated by the bitterness of others.
Remember? The invitation we have received from Jesus is the invitation to a life of Happiness, a life of blessedness, the happiness that the world cannot give to us and the happiness that the world cannot take away from us in order to obtain this happiness.
We must make sure we keep these two rules rule.
Number one never give up on doing the right thing.
Rule.
Number two, always remember rule number one, the Lord be with you I may almighty God, bless you, the father and the son and the holy spirit amen.
FAQs
What is the homily for the Fourth Sunday in ordinary time? ›
We pray: That we may be idealists who follow the Christian way with hopeful hearts, and trust in the merciful God. That our God and Father will always bless his church with saints to uplift and inspire us. for courage and comfort for those who are persecuted in the cause of right.
What is the homily of 4th Sunday of Lent 2023? ›On this fourth Sunday in Lent, Jesus illustrates that seeing ourselves and others as God sees us is not a simple task. It is a part of our maturing in faith. The story of the blind man gives us the courage to see with the eyes of our hearts.
What is the reflection on the 4th Sunday of Easter 2023? ›In this Sunday's Gospel, we are challenged to follow the lead of Jesus, the Shepherd. We know his voice and how he has helped us throughout our lives. We trust in his word, and we hear the call to follow him.
What is the reading for 4th Sunday in ordinary time 2023? ›Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12A
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.
Jesus comes to us because he loves us, not because we have worked to bring him here or are ready for him. He comes among us now and offers us rest and forgiveness and peace. He invites us to share his table, the table he has prepared for us, and to rejoice and relax at that table, for it is the table of his love.
What is the theme of the 4th Sunday of Lent 2023? ›The Church's liturgy, on this the Fourth Sunday of Lent, invites us to retrace one of the fundamental dynamics of our baptismal re-birth through the Gospel account of the healing of the 'man born blind'. It is the passage from the darkness of sin and error to the Light of God, who is the Risen Christ.
What is the message of the Fourth Sunday of Lent? ›The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Today's Gospel describes the reason for our joy: God's great love for us has been revealed in Jesus. Through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Christ has reconciled us with God and one another.
What is the Gospel's message to us in this 4th week of Lent? ›The first reading tor the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A emphasizes the idea that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges people based on their hearts and faithfulness to Him. This is reflected in verse 7, where God tells Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.
What is the homily of the 4th Sunday of Easter? ›Jesus is that shepherd for us, the shepherd who gives his life and knows his sheep. He loves us and has given his life for us. We need also to recognize his voice and follow. Jesus leads us out as his flock to create the world.
What is the gospel reflection for April 23 2023? ›I thank God for loving me and being with me in my life. At the end of my prayer, I ask God to help me be as present to Him in the Mass as He is to me in the Eucharist. I've found it is a wonderful way to settle in and prepare for the Mass.
Did they change Easter 2023? ›
It is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox March equinox or vernal equinox across the globe, which usually falls between March and April. In 2023 Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, 9 April 2023.
What is the reflection for April 4 2023? ›We are cowardly and faithless. But God welcomes us back too, repentant sinners and faithless friends that we sometimes are. No matter our sin, even our persistent sin and lack of faith, Jesus is ready to welcome us back to Himself.
What is the gospel for April 4 2023? ›"Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
Why is the 4th Sunday of Easter called Good Shepherd Sunday? ›This fourth Sunday of the Easter season is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because in each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In each cycle the reading is from the tenth chapter of John's Gospel.
What is the lesson in the Fourth Sunday of Advent? ›Advent is a journey through the biblical story pointing out how all the promises of God find their Yes in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). On the fourth Sunday of Advent (Advent IV), we celebrate God's faithfulness in sending Jesus, and we remember that faithfulness as we look forward to Christ's second coming.
What is the teaching for 4th Sunday of Advent? ›Two Suggested Scripture Reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
What is the theme for 4th Sunday of Advent year A? ›Themes for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year A
The first reading foretells that a virgin will give birth. The psalm praises the wonders of God. The second reading speaks of the promises of God through the ages and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Give up a favorite toy or game.
- Fast from social media for a day.
- Give up a favorite snack.
- Drink only water at school.
- Give up a favorite chair at home or seat at school.
- Go without headphones/air pods for a day.
- Play your favorite game, focusing on helping others instead of winning.
During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully.
What are the 4 themes of Lent? ›There are four things we try to concentrate on during Lent: Prayer, Abstinence, Fasting and Almsgiving. Try to pray a little more often, go to Mass more often, maybe attend a daily Mass, or just come by and visit the church after school one day.
What is the prayer of the faithful for the 4th Sunday of Lent? ›
Lord in your mercy
PRIEST: God our Father, your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world and brought humanity the gift of reconciliation. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we may clearly see the love you have for us. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Prayers of the People: Lent 4 B
Heavenly Father, when we feel that we have lost direction as a people, or even as a person, help us remember your presence in our wilderness journeys. The day of the Lord is coming: He abounds in steadfast love.
God our Father, in your unfailing love and goodness, hear us as we bring to you our prayers for the world and for all people . In this period of Lent we come to you aware of our unreadiness for the enormity of the Easter message, that Christ suffered and died for us and was yet raised in glorious victory..
What is the Gospel reflection Fourth Sunday of Advent? ›God does not owe us anything. But He freely chose our of His infinite love to become man and to die for us. Jesus was born in order to die. He came in order to offer the perfect sacrifice of His own body and blood in order to gain for us forgiveness of our sins.
What Gospel reading is 4th Sunday of Easter Year C? ›John describes his vision of the praises that the holy ones sing to the Lamb. Jesus describes his care for his sheep. The fourth Sunday of Easter is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. In each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel is taken from the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John.
What is the Bible verse for April 23 2023? ›Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, April 23, 2023, the Third Sunday of Easter (Year A) But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
What is the Catholic prayer for April 23 2023? ›Flood my soul with Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus!
What is the prayer for April 23 2023? ›May we, the first fruits of your new creation, rejoice in this new day you have made, and praise you for your mighty acts. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What is the significance of Easter Sunday 2023? ›Easter Sunday 2023 Date: Easter will be observed on Sunday, April 9, 2023. It is considered on the most auspicious days for the Christian community globally. The day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the major figure of Christianity, who was crucified by the Roman Cavalry and died on Good Friday.
What are the Easter colors for 2023? ›Easter 2023 is going to be beautiful. Let us talk a little bit about this years easter colors. Yellow is the king for easter and always a good choice. This years easter trend is going to be a mix of yellow, mint green, dusty rose and light purple.
Why is Easter so late in 2023? ›
A. The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar (versus the Gregorian calendar), which often means a different date for Easter Sunday, though the calendars do sometimes coincide. This year, Orthodox Easter falls on April 16, 2023.
What is the Catholic homily for 4th Sunday of Advent Year B? ›Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year B
Gospel – Luke 1:26-38: “But Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? ' And the angel said to her in reply, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Mass Readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Gospel – Luke 15:1-32: “My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
What is the Fourth Sunday of Advent Catholic reflection? ›Jesus was born in order to die. He came in order to offer the perfect sacrifice of His own body and blood in order to gain for us forgiveness of our sins. This was the “will” of God that Jesus fulfilled. And, as a result, we can have salvation from our sins through Jesus Christ.
What is the theme of 4th Sunday in Advent? ›Advent should also inspire hope as we wait for the Second Coming of Christ. We are calling the Fourth Candle the “Candle of Peace” and it reminds us that Jesus comes to bring Peace to the world and to people's hearts. Without Christ, there is no peace in this world.
What is the Gospel of Ordinary Time? ›So, Ordinary Time counts the time between the end of the Christmas season and whenever Lent begins. Usually there are between four to nine weeks of Ordinary Time before Lent begins. The last Sunday of the Christmas Season is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord - the Sunday following January 6th.
What is the meaning of Luke 4 21 30? ›Jesus points to himself as the fulfillment of the prophecy and as the one able to offer salvation to all who hear him. Such salvation should be understood broadly as God's redemptive work through Jesus with special attention given to those who are marginalized.
What is Matthew 5 1 12a? ›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.
What is the homily for 5 February 2023? ›Let us accept one another and love one another with sincerity and generosity, as God loves us. Let us cherish the good that we are, and not allow ourselves to be corrupted by evil! Let us now pass to the second image used by Jesus, which is light: You are the light of the world.
What is the 6th Sunday in ordinary time homily? ›
I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them. Young people at this age often strive to get by with making only minimum effort. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to go beyond the minimum requirements of the Law and to respond to others in love.
What is the homily for the 3rd Sunday in ordinary time? ›Jesus comes to proclaim and inaugurate the Kingdom of God. He calls us to repent. The disciples heard his call, abandoned nets, family, and their way of life immediately. The repentance Jesus calls for is a change of life, whether it means a different occupation, leaving family, or any other radical change.
What does the Fourth Sunday represent? ›Jesus is the gate for his sheep. This fourth Sunday of the Easter season is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because in each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In each cycle the reading is from the tenth chapter of John's Gospel.