4A SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 5:1-12,
JANUARY 29, 2023
1) STORY
Mary was trying to find her first job
and decided to apply to a company which was looking for staff. It was a rainy day and while riding on the bus
she noticed other girls her age going to the same place to apply for work.
As she was getting off the bus, a
middle-aged woman in front of her slipped and fell on the curb. The other girls saw this but went on while
Mary stopped to help her get up. The
woman asked Mary if she could help her to her office. Mary did help her but was worried she might be
late and lose her chance for a job. When
they arrived at the company, the middle-aged woman introduced herself as Mrs.
Chan and thanked Mary for being so kind and helpful. When it was Mary’s turn to see
the employment manager, she entered the office and was astonished to see
Mrs. Chan who warmly welcomed her. Mary
got the job.
2) GOSPEL, MATTHEW 5:1-12
A) BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
Jesus
was merciful.
i)
He told us about the merciful Samaritan in the parable of the Good Samaritan,
(Luke 10:25-37).
i) When Jesus was on the cross, he
promised the thief that he would be with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23;42-43).
B) YOU WILL BE SHOWN MERCY
Jesus
tells us we will be rewarded when we are merciful toward others. “If you forgive others their sins, your
heavenly father will forgive you" (Matt.6:14).
3) APPLICATION TO LIFE
A) BE MERCIFUL
i)
We should be merciful to those who are good to us and also to those who are
not.
ii)
We are merciful by our kind attitude towards others, by our gentle words, and
by our caring actions.
B) YOU WILL BE SHOWN MERCY
i)
Jesus will bless us when we follow his example.
ii)
We will have peace in our hearts knowing we are doing good.
iii)
People will recognize and reward our acts of mercy.
4) CONCLUSION
Mary was rewarded by showing mercy to
the lady in need. Jesus taught us by
word and example to be merciful. God
will reward us for being merciful in word and deed by giving us peace of heart.
