Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Mathew 5,1-12

Rev. Neli Miranda

Honor and shame were two polar opposites in the social system that structured daily life of the Israelite society in the first century. In Jesus’ time, the recognition of honor was mainly related to the socioeconomic status of one’s family and the possession of land and wealth. By contrast, shame was related to an individual’s or the family’s loss of status or the loss of land and wealth.

Both honor and shame were subjective feelings, but they were also positions ascribed by society according to its own social conventions. So, being recognized as honorable and not falling into shame was a continuous social struggle for many. In Jesus’ time, the elite claimed honor by making evident the large portions of land, servants, and wealth they possessed; by wearing elegant clothing and jewelry, serving ostentatious meals, receiving honors in public, displaying power with violence, among other practices. The honor held by the elite was at the expense of the majority of the population who had fallen into shame and were living close to the subsistence level or below it. Jesus rejected this system and identified himself with the despised, those in society considered not honorable due to their poor, destitute condition. Today’s Gospel, therefore, should be read and understood with this background in mind; that is, an honor-shame-oriented culture.  

Today, Jesus brings us the Epiphany by dismantling shame and seeking honor for all those the system places at the pole of shame and who are, therefore, despised and rejected. Today’s Gospel brings the passage commonly known as “The Beatitudes” in which Jesus honored his followers who mostly came from the poor and destitute population. Here, Jesus honors the despised and rejected of his time. They are people who are helpless and cannot defend their honor. Turning the world upside down, Jesus affirms they are honored by God.  This honor is given by God, not by the system.

Jesus proclaims that the poor in spirit are honored for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. In what world are poor people honored? In the Kingdom of God! The word Jesus uses for “poor” refers to the grinding poverty of the very poorest, the beggar bowed down by poverty. Jesus honors the poorest people and also those who themselves recognize their poor condition before God and totally trust in God’s help, not like the powerful and rich who trust in their own riches.

Jesus proclaims that those who mourn are honored for they will be comforted. He proclaims that those who suffer and mourn their losses will be comforted. They are the ones who dare to mourn, show vulnerability, and lean on God for strength. They, Jesus says, will be comforted by God. On the contrary, shame on those who feel powerful, who trust in their riches, and rely on their own strength.

Jesus proclaims that the meek are honored, for they will inherit the earth. The meek are honored in the Kingdom of God because they are not arrogant or pompous like those who claim honor and look for a high place in society; the meek are not aggressive or violent, they embody God’s character. Those the world calls weak, Jesus calls honorable.  

Jesus proclaims that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are honored, for they will be filled. Are they not the ones who continually cry out for justice in our communities and whom we consider annoying to our ears? They are the ones to whom justice has been denied, those who live in deprivation because of the human power that rules the world. Yet, Jesus says that under God’s rule, their needs will be satisfied.  When we support those who seek justice, we are already living the Kingdom of God!

Jesus proclaims that those who are merciful are honored, for they will receive mercy. The merciful are compassionate people who bring God’s grace among the world. They strive to make present the Kingdom of God in the world and promote life without poverty, hunger, disease, discrimination, and other human ills. Honored are they, for they will see mercy prevails. What would our world be without the merciful? Let us honor them as Jesus does.

Jesus proclaims that those who are pure in heart are honored, for they will see God. Jesus honors those who do not know how to keep evil in their hearts because God dwells in them. They are the ones who forgive and do not hold resentments, those who love unconditionally, those who are sincere and free from hypocrisy.  They live in integrity and aligned with God’s values. They see God every day!

Jesus proclaims that the peacemakers are honored, for they will be called Children of God. They are agents of God and continually proclaim the Shalom of God in the world. They promote unity and reconciliation in a world broken by the interests of the powerful and wealthy.  Peacemakers are called Children of God because their actions are similar to God’s own. In a world full of hate, violence and war, let us honor the peacemakers.

Jesus proclaims that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are honored, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus honors those who are committed to justice because they are merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers, and their commitment to justice will stand in the face of persecution. Because of their commitment with justice, they already live the Kingdom of God.  Finally, Jesus proclaims honored those who are reviled, persecuted and falsely defamed for God’s sake. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, Jesus says.

Dear sisters and brothers, honor and shame are prominent today in most world cultures. Current social criteria validate the strong, the powerful, the wealthy, the famous, and those who hold a good position in society; while those who live socially disadvantaged, feel unworthy and suffer rejection from others. In this context, where many people live with shame imposed by the system, Jesus calls us to live the values of the Kingdom of God which honor Jesus’s followers. These values break with the culture of hatred, violence and segregation, and embrace those considered weak, the little ones of Jesus; those who are despised and discriminated against because of their social status.

As Jesus dismantles shame and seeks honor for all the human family, let us, his followers, continue this mission bringing blessings, justice, and peace to all peoples. Amen.