4th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

Filed Under: Feasts Holy Days and Seasons

Sunday, January 29, 2023

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A tell us we must seek the Lord. The first reading (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13) gives us a road-map for discipleship. The psalm (Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10) sings of God’s faithfulness and kindness. The second reading (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) reminds us that the world might consider our path as a foolish one. In the gospel (Matthew 5:1-12A) Jesus gives us the Beatitudes, which lay out what it means to follow Him.

Consider if you are actively seeking God or if you are just waiting for something to happen. Here are some ideas for this week:

Printable Beatitudes Cryptogram Puzzle

Are you studying the Beatitudes in youth ministry, Vacation Bible School, or Children's Liturgy of the Word? This printable cryptogram gives the eight beatitudes in random order. Children can figure out the key and substitute the letters to solve the puzzle and complete the beatitudes.

The Lord Keeps Faith Forever

The LORD keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free.

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St. Thomas Aquinas is a 13th century saint and a Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas was influenced by the philosopher Aristotle and was known to for his logical and reasoned approach to theology.

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to recognize Jesus and grant him authority in our lives. So possible themes for this Sunday are conversion and magesterium. Here are some ideas.

St. John Bosco was a priest and educator. His feast day is January 31. He is the patron saint of editors, school children, publishers, young people, juvenile delinquents, and magicians.

The readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord speak of purification and offering. What am I willing to present to God as an offering? What parts of my life do I need to purify? Where am I in need of more holiness? Can I offer some aspect of my own life as the gifts are brought up during the offertory?

St. Agatha lived in 3rd century Italy. She desired to be consecrated to the Lord and remain unmarried and able to be dedicated to a life of prayer. However she had many men who desired her.