Gospel: February 1, 2026
February 1, 2026 (Sunday)
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 4 (Green)
Ps 146: 6-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10
Praise the Lord, my soul!
1st Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. He sat down and his disciples gathered around him. Then he spoke and began to teach them:
Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Fortunate are those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the land.
Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.
Fortunate are those with pure hearts, for they shall see God.
Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children of God.
Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God.
Lectio Divina:
The Gospel offers direction on how to make choices in life.
Read: Zephaniah prophesies the ideal people of God, the poor of the land, the anawim, who obey God’s commands, do justice, and seek humility. These people relied on God as their helper and provider. These are the same people that Paul referred to as “the lowly and the despised of the world whom God chooses to shame the strong.” In the gospel, Jesus declares them Blessed: the poor in spirit, the humble, the merciful, the peacemakers, those who work for justice…”
Reflect: A story was told about St. Pope John XXIII, who visited a prison in Rome when he became the Pope. In his conversation with the prisoners, he said, “Since you cannot come to me, I have come to visit you.” And he added: “It has been a long time since I last visited a prison. The last time I did so was when I visited my cousin.” Pope John the XXIII was not ashamed of that fact. For him, a genuine person in authority does not consider himself different or above others.
Pope John XXIII’s story illustrates how our life experiences can help us make wise choices if we allow them to guide us. Our decisions hold significance when they align with the Word of God. The Gospel offers direction on how to make choices in life: to support those in sorrow, to show mercy, and to strive for justice and peace. The choices we make for God, for truth, for love, and for the welfare of our brothers and sisters will bring us closer to our blessedness.
Pray: Lord, help me to make the right choices today and every day.
Act: Make a conscious effort to do good and help your needy brothers and sisters.
