Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
01 February 2026
First Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
Reflection
By: Grace B. Madriñan
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land” - Matthew 5:5
I have heard the Gospel about the sermon of the mount several times, but reading it more closely and intently this time made me pause for a question. How will the meek inherit the land? Why not the hardworking, or the strong can inherit the land instead?
For me, meek is the last person qualified to inherit the land. Meek comes to me as quiet and submissive, how will a meek stand in front of a dominating opponent? Then thanks to an AI tool (artificial intelligence), I found the full definition of a meek person. It says:
"A meek person is gentle, quiet, and mild-mannered, often characterized by patience, humility, and a non-confrontational nature, willing to comply with others and putting up with wrongs without complaint, but it's not weakness; it's a controlled strength, like the gentleness of Christ, involving inner power and self-control rather than assertiveness or arrogance.”
I found the key words, “patience”, “humility”, “self-control”. God, therefore, favors those who are patient, humble and can control their temper.
This reminds me of an instance when I almost lost my “meekness” last December. Our house is situated at the corner of two streets and I requested a delivery van to temporarily park in one of the sides to comfortably load the items. The two way street became one way and one of the bigger vans passing by cussed at us for causing obstruction. My initial reaction was to shout back. But seeing that the man is an elderly and handicapped, I later shouted back “Merry Christmas!” and signaled the delivery van to move back just to let them pass peacefully. I admit that my head is still fuming with rage to return the same foul words he said but I was glad that the Holy Spirit did not let me.
I can actually win the argument with the old man but at what cost? I would disrespect an elderly person, inconvenience all incoming vehicles because neither of us will not give way, disrupting my neighbor’s peace, wasting energy and time. But when I gave in, I only lost 2 minutes and a bit of my pride.
I realized then that hard work and skills may take you far but only patience, humility and self-control will get you through any obstacles. And the best part? You made our Father proud.
Prayer
Father, forgive us of our shortcomings. Thank You for reminding us of what matters in the Kingdom of Heaven. Send us Your Holy Spirit to continue to accompany us on our daily struggles. Amen.
