1st Reading from the prophet Zephanaiah 2:1, 3: 12-13.
Zephaniah is addressing Judah and Jerusalem for being attracted by the surrounding nations, especially Assyria and its capital Nineveh, and adopting idolatrous practices. Both groups are threatened with the “Day of the Lord”, a time of anger, judgement and punishment, but there are also promises some for all humanity, others for the “People of God”, as well as the restoration of the people. This extract which is selected for us today speaks of the consolation of the remnant of Israel. They will have a time of peace and consolation after their trials. As the Western World experiences a drift away from Christian practice, we are in a very similar position to the one Zephaniah experienced. It is worth remembering that there will be a restoration and a time of peace and tranquillity as the people turn back to God. Our work is to assist that process and stay strong in the face of opposition and indifference.
Psalm 145: 7-10.
This is the first of five psalms in praise of the Lord, linked to the re-building of the Temple. It is a beautiful vision of how God wants the people to be. He desires us to continue to strive for perfection.
2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1: 26-31.
It is a good idea for us to imagine how these Corinthians, gathered at the meeting house received the news that they were regarded as foolish, weak, common and contemptible. It would have come as a bit of a shock. It would be wrong for us to think that Paul was simply cutting their pride down to size. Yes there is an element in that, but most importantly he is trying to lead their focus away from themselves and to concentrate on God and Jesus. Paul will point towards the crucifixion as their salvation and redemption. Sometimes a remnant can become smug about how they are saved and forget that it is not by our own efforts that we are saved, but by the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his generosity in choosing us, that we are on the road to salvation.
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 5: 1-12.
Matthew commences his greatest of his five “sermons”, by capturing our attention in painting a picture of Christ in the same mode as when Moses on the mountainside delivered the Law (the ten commandments). Here Jesus delivers his new Law. Jesus sits down adopting the teacher’s position and opening his mouth he began to teach, saying: Now he delivers nine Blessings (in my translations they are “Congratulations”), which on the face of it look absurd. He is congratulating the destitute, the sad, the meek, those concerned about justice, the merciful, those who concentrate solely on God, those who refuse to follow the road of violence, and finally those persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. This turns human natural responses upside down. However, when we look closely at these cone congratulationsor blessings there is a profound wisdom in these blessings. They draw us closer and closer to God and we need to rely more and more upon Him. We are taken into a world of trust, sincere concern for each other, away from greed, avarice, lust, power. We are introduced to God’s world, to God’s desire for us to emulate, and excel in these virtues and find true peace and happiness.
God Bless us in meditations on this great sermon.
Deacon Vincent
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