4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, A, January 29, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, A, January 29, 2023

Matthew 5:1-12a https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012923.cfm

The Strength of Meekness.

Years ago, I remember riding a horse in a hacienda in Venezuela. I will never forget a raging bull running for us out of nowhere, my horse went into a gallop, and I held on for dear life. When it was safe, the horse came to a slow gallop, and I took a deep breath.

If the horse I rode were a wild stallion, I would be as scared of the horse as I would the bull. The horse is much stronger than me, but after training became meek. The term comes from a Greek word, “praus (prah-oos)—the military use that word when referring to a trained horse. Think how you can train the horse’s fierce power and wild nature to respond to a slight nudge from the foot of its rider.

A meek person is not a wimp. There are times to assert ourselves, and there are times to be passive. I know, as many people do, that if I am driving a car, I will not have even one drink, which is meekness.

Gospel Challenge:

Like the horse with his rider, we need to cooperate with God, who has all the power, intellect, and will to guide us along a safe path of life. Pray for meekness when you want to take back control. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You; take care of everything.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com

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