Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
There are some times when you just have to be honest with yourself, and for me, today is one of those times. No matter how much I may want to preach on the glorious example of the Beatitudes we just heard in Matthew’s gospel; no matter how important it is that Lent is only a few days away, with its call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – most people’s minds are elsewhere. Let’s face it – today is Super Bowl Sunday, and there are far more Americans focused on this one professional football game – or the commercials that accompany the broadcast – than there are people longing for a theological exposition on the poor in spirit. There are times when you have to take an honest assessment of the world around you. The Super Bowl is far more exciting and anticipated than a 40-day period of fast and sacrifice.
Now, call me foolish, but I think there’s a connection – a good connection between the Super Bowl and today’s readings, and the coming season of Lent. Think about it this way. Really, today’s gospel is something like a pep talk before the big game of life. Jesus is talking to his first followers at the beginning of his ministry and giving them the nine things they need to know in order to be victorious in following him. In order to win the crown of eternal life, here’s what you need to know – be poor in spirit, meek, and merciful; seek peace and righteousness; and even when people hate you because of who you are, persevere in the struggle. And in case you don’t know how to do those things, just look at Jesus – the winning coach – and see how his life puts these Beatitudes into practice. That’s all you need to know – now go out and win the kingdom.
That all sounds good, but I imagine that many of us hear these Beatitudes and think, “well, that’s good for Jesus, but I don’t know how to be that kind of person.” And that’s where Lent comes in. It’s not too much of a stretch to say that Lent is a time for strength-training, conditioning and practice in the Christian life. These upcoming 40 days are an opportunity to set aside those things that distract us and focus on getting our souls in shape for the kingdom we are trying to win. Here in our parish, we have many opportunities to get in spiritual shape during the days of Lent. After mass, be sure to pick up a copy of the Magnificat Lenten Companion to help guide your prayer, and also an Operation Rice Bowl container to collect spare change and other donations to be given to Catholic Relief Services. Beginning this Friday, and each Friday in Lent, we will pray the Stations of the Cross together as a community, and Reconciliation will be available as well. On Sundays, we will pray Vespers, or Evening Prayer, as a community. And on Tuesdays, join us for Soup and Soul Food.
All of these parish events, and the wider prayer, fasting, and almsgiving of this season have as their primary goal helping us to focus on our relationship with Christ, and when we develop that relationship, we will be well on our way to victory. And what kind of victory are we looking for? Jesus is clear on that point in today’s gospel: If you live like him, then you can “rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Now for some, the Lombardi trophy that goes to the Super Bowl champions is reward enough. But as for me, I’ll take heaven.
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