Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings at USCCB.org  

Take a Risk

Matthew 5:1-12

Years ago, we were driving to our destination for our Peer Ministry retreat and we jokingly told this one young man that we were going to tie him to the roof of the van because he was being annoying. That way he could travel with us but we wouldn’t have to listen to him.

His reply was, “that’d be cool!” Honestly, he probably would have enjoyed it.

It’s true, young people like risk…rock climbing, driving fast…it’s the rush of adrenalin and the thrill of adventure.

That’s why young people make great disciples. Following Jesus is all about risk. In this week’s Gospel, Jesus calls his disciples to risk. The Beatitudes are risky actions Jesus tells his followers to choose. For example, be poor in spirit…ask God’s guidance in all decisions. Be meek…treat others as more important than you. Mourn…don’t hide your pain. Be merciful…choose forgiveness. Be a peacemaker…work publicly for peace and justice.

We take a risk when we live a Beatitude. People may mock you for letting God, rather than wealth or popularity, set your direction. People may put you down when someone hurts you and you don’t get even. People may even call you crazy for protesting.

But Jesus says God will bless us when we take these risks. In other words, God will act in our favor. So when we let God direct us, God will give us a meaningful life. When we face our pain and mourn, God will comfort us through prayer or by sending people to help us. When we choose mercy and work for peace, God will give us strength we need to forgive and the courage to stand publicly against violence.

So take a risk this week…live the Beatitudes. It’s an adventure!