In today’s Gospel, Jesus is still at the beginning of his public ministry as he gathers around himself those who are curious, searching, and open to God. To them, he offers nothing less than a charter for the Kingdom of God.
The First Reading introduces us to the prophet Zephaniah, whose words are heard only occasionally in the Sunday liturgy. He preached around 640 BC during the reign of King Josiah, a time when Israel was forming dangerous alliances with the surrounding godless nations. These alliances brought with them idolatry, including the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. Zephaniah warned that such unfaithfulness would lead to destruction, yet he also proclaimed hope – found in a small group who remained loyal to the Lord.
“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth… Seek justice, seek humility… I will leave a remnant in your midst, a people humble and lowly.”
Scripture scholars often refer to this faithful remnant as the anawim – the poor and humble who place their trust in God alone. As we shall see, these are precisely the people who are closest to the heart of Jesus and central to his message.
The Second Reading from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians echoes this teaching beautifully. Paul reminds the community that God’s call does not depend on worldly wisdom, power, or noble birth. Instead, God chooses what the world considers foolish, weak, and insignificant to reveal divine wisdom and strength.
This paradox prepares us for today’s Gospel: the Beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5. From the mountain, Jesus proclaims blessings that overturn every conventional measure of success. The poor, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, the persecuted – those whom society often overlooks – are called “blessed,” truly happy.
This teaching must have startled Jesus’ original listeners, and it continues to challenge us today. The Beatitudes reveal the heart of God, who draws close to the humble and afflicted. Jesus invites us not only to care for the poor but to become poor ourselves.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Save Us, O Lord Our God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #45
The Entrance Antiphon is from Psalm 106: “Save us, Lord our God! And gather us from the nations to give thanks to your holy name and make it our glory to praise you.” The antiphon allows us to reflect immediately on the Gospel teaching of this day.
Entrance Chant Our God Is Here (Chris Muglia)
Spirit & Song #226; Never Too Young #29; Breaking Bread #301
Chris Muglia’s popular and uplifting song is in the spirit of the antiphon’s call for gathering the nations and the peoples in praise of God.
Responsorial Psalm Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit; the Kingdom of Heaven Is Theirs (Mary Kate Westrich)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 78
Mary Kate Westrich offers an accessible verbatim setting Psalm 146. Note that the response is a direct quote from today’s Gospel.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 80
The acclamation verse highlights a key passage from the Beatitudes.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Christ, Be Our Light (Bernadette Farrell)
Spirit & Song #207; Never Too Young #8; Breaking Bread #464
The importance of core repertoire cannot be understated. Contemporary songs are appealing but let us not forget the classic songs that are known and loved by the whole Church. “Christ, Be Our Light” sings of Beatitude values that are the heart of the teaching of today’s Scripture.
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #47
Antiphon Option 2 is another quote of the Gospel from the official text of this day.
Communion Chant Blessed Are You (Sarah Hart)
Sarah Hart’s setting of the Beatitudes is not yet in our missal resources, but you can access it on the link above. The song’s simple and catchy refrain allows assemblies to sing it immediately during the Communion procession.
Sending Forth May Your Kingdom Come (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #328
We go forth from this Eucharist singing a stirring song of the Kingdom of God.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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