Wednesday Word
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4th Sunday Ordinary Time (Year A)
Welcome: Today we hear about how Jesus went onto a mountain and taught his disciples. Jesus told them about the kind of person that makes him happy and who is blessed. Some of what he said might be surprising, so let’s think about it together today.
Opening prayer: God of love, you bless those people who are poor, who are sad, who are hungry and thirsty and who are hurt because they stand up for what they believe in. Help us to follow in your way. Amen.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them:
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
“Happy are those who mourn;
God will comfort them!
“Happy are those who are humble;
they will receive what God has promised!
“Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right;
God will satisfy them fully!
“Happy are those who are merciful to others;
God will be merciful to them!
“Happy are the pure in heart;
they will see God!
“Happy are those who work for peace;
God will call them his children!
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
“Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.
Gospel Reflection:
Jesus teaches his disciples about the way he would like people to be treated and how he sees some types of people as extra special. He says that they will be happy or blessed.
What kinds of people did Jesus say would be happy? And what will happen to them? (Eg those who mourn will be comforted. Those who are hungry will have their fill.)
When will this happen? Will this only happen in heaven or could it happen here on earth as well?
We are all part of one global family and we are called by God to care for the other members of that family, wherever they are in the world. We can help Jesus’ words to come alive today.
What could you do for someone who is sad?
What could you do for someone who is hungry or thirsty?
What could you do for people who are poor?
What could you do for someone who is afraid to stand up for what they believe in?
By doing all those things we will be truly following Jesus. We can help to make the words that he spoke to his disciples a reality.
What will you do this week to help Jesus’ words to come alive in our world?
Intercessions You may want to ask the children to offer their own prayers or you can use the suggestions below.
The words of Jesus give us hope for a fairer world and so together we pray:
We pray for world leaders: that they may work to bring about a world that is like Jesus’ teachings. A world which is fair and where everyone has enough to live. Lord, in your mercy…
We pray for all people who are poor, sad, hungry or in danger: that through our actions they may be happy on earth as well as in heaven and have hope for a better future. Lord, in your mercy…
We pray for our parish, families and friends: that we may work together with others to follow Jesus’ word, bringing comfort to those who are sad and helping make sure all people have enough to eat. Lord, in your mercy…
Closing prayer: God of mercy, open our hearts to listen to what Jesus tells us. Help us to reach out to others who are poor, sad, or frightened and try to make their lives blessed. Amen.
