4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

1. Zephaniah 2: 3, 3:12-13
2. Psalm 146: 6-7, 8-9, 9-10
3. 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31
4. Matthew 5: 1-12a

• Humble of heart is good to find
• Think of some folks in your life who have shown real humility.  What was that like?
• Why do you think that it's so hard to be truly humble these days?
• What other virtues do you think need to be there to help someone to be truly humble?
• How does it help to live humbly?

• God is our refuge
• Who are the strangers in our midst?
• We all hear of refugees in various parts of the world, but what of right here at home?  What are some ways that someone can be displaced from their "home"?
• Why/how are such people particularly vulnerable?
• What do you think God calls us to do about that?

• Knowing your place
• Do you think that it's possible for someone to be great and humble at the same time?
• Do you think that God calls all of us to some form of greatness as well as humility?
• How can we answer such a call?

• What do you mourn for?
• Do you feel that there is any positive aspects to mourning?
• What have you mourned for in your life?
• How did that period of mourning change you?
• How did you know that it was over?
• What do you think can happen if you try to "rush" that mourning process?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. How far am I willing to trust God in my life?
2. Do I see the strangers all around me?
3. What am I doing to achieve greatness in God's kingdom?
4. What am I mourning for in my life now?

Shalom!