"Blest Are the Pure in Heart"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Blest Are the Pure in Heart":

 

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 5:1-12a. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 146 (Psalm 146: 6-10).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Sign in Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Psalm 146: Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: Picture This! A Homily for the 4th Sunday of the Year (31 JAN 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Jesus Will Give Us Everything If We Crawl Out of Satan's Trap (29 JAN 26)

Word on Fire: Do You Want to Be Happy? (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 4th Week) 

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: The blessed path (30 JAN 26 

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for Feb. 1, 2026, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (28 JAN 26  

The Quiet Corner: Following the Path of St. Bridget and St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad (29 JAN 26) 

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the Beatitudes.

Philip Kosloski: on God's Creation as aGglorious Symphony

"Have you ever noticed the intricate way the earth was created, and how interconnected everything is? For example, sometimes we think that if we remove an pesky insect from an environment, it will be better for humans. 

"However, the moment we eliminate a species, we discover that there was another plant or animal that depended on that insect, creating a ripple effect that we never expected.

"It should remind us how carefully God created the world, intending it to be a glorious harmony that sings his praises."

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on God and the music ofHis symphony.

To access Mr. Kosloski's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia; Philip Kosloski: How God created the world to be a glorious symphony (18 JAN 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"The Beatitudes become for us a measure of happiness, leading us to ask whether we consider it an achievement to be bought or a gift to be shared; whether we place it in objects that are consumed or in relationships that accompany us." - Pope Leo XIV

Robert Goulet: "On a Clear Day"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Robert Goulet presenting "On a Clear Day":

 

Catholic Schools Week

This week, the week of 25-31 January, is being observed as Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week is  Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community."

This theme is designed to reflect that Catholic schools have an irreplaceable role in the Church's evangelizing mission. Building on the central goal of Catholic schools to form saints, Catholic schools teach and embrace the whole person, body, mind and spirit. The fact that all members of a Catholic school community share the Christian vision of faith that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education is what unites the school as a faith-filled community.

The Catholic Schools Week logo symbolizes the united community of Catholic schools - not a building or an institution, but people of faith serving God and others. No Catholic school can fulfill its educational role alone. As a community, Catholic schools are nourished and stimulated by the centrality of the word of Christ expressed through knowledge, service, scripture and sacramental tradition.
Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community is a theme on which to build a spirit of the gospel to benefit the human family

For more information related to this year's observance, please visit:

NCEA: National Catholic Schools Week

Background information:

National Catholic Educational Association

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of our Catholic schools.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on a Salesian Season

"It has often been said that Catholics know how to celebrate. We can take a special day, a holy day, and turn it into a holiday that can last for weeks. The Church has a pattern within the liturgical calendar that begins with preparation and penance and culminates with celebrations spread throughout the year.

"The just-completed Christmas season is a great example. For many people, the season concludes on Epiphany, the traditional twelfth day of Christmas. This, in itself, is a custom that challenges the popular notion that the celebration of Christ’s birth ends on December 26. For Catholics, the season continues to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (this year observed on January 11). An even older tradition prolongs the holiday joy until February 2, the Presentation of the Lord - the final feast of the baby Jesus.

"For the sons and daughters of St. Francis de Sales, the end of the month brings another week of solemn celebrations and feast days. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on how the period including the feast days of St. Francis De Sales, St. John Bosco, and the Presentation of the Lord are a special occasion for the Salesian community.

To access Fr. Kolodziej's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: A Salesian Season (29 JAN 26)

Reflection Starter from St. John Bosco

"Whatever you do, think of the Glory of God as your main goal." - Saint John Bosco, whose memory the Church celebrates today (31 January)

"You Have Called Us by Your Name"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of Bernadette Farrell's "You Have Called Us by Your Name":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good pediatricians.