Psalm Reflection: The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!” - Psalms 146 (Mt 5:3)

Needy.

It is an unattractive word in our culture. We either associate it with those who are emotionally needy in relationships, or as a synonym for the poor, as in charities who help “the needy.” 

In Western culture, being in need is seen as a weakness. We are taught to depend and rely on ourselves, to focus on our own skills and hard work to get to where we want to go. Whether we realize it or not, we were raised with an expectation to not need anyone.

Ironically, we are all born in a state of pure need. A newborn can do nothing to provide for their own needs, they can only express them through cries. As we grow, we are trained to be independent—to go off on our own to provide for ourselves and no longer need to burden our parents with the responsibility of taking care of us.

I think the lie of independence is one of the Enemy’s favorites.

We are conditioned to believe we are capable of doing everything on our own, when the Bible teaches the exact opposite. At the Last Supper, Jesus tells his dicsiples:

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5

We are utterly useless without God. If God were not willing us into existence, we would cease to exist immediately. He is the one who is sustaining our life-breath and who causes our heart to continue beating. We are in constant need of Him and all He provides, and to think that we are in control or able to take care of ourselves is a pathway toward idolatry and pride. We will make ourselves into the gods of our own lives, only to realize we are incapable of fulfilling and satisfying our needs, because they were placed within us by the creator of the universe and our hearts bear His fingerprints.

This is why Cardinal Francis George once said:

"The poor need you to draw them out of poverty, and you need the poor to keep you out of Hell.” - Cardinal Francis George 

The first part is not a shock to us, the poor are “the needy.” However, we are in as much need of them as they are of us. Why? Because they model for us what true faith and reliance on God looks like.

The poor have nothing to distract them from God’s reign. 

The poor recognize that everything they have is a gift.

The poor are constantly in need and all they can do is express it.

To be poor in spirit, as the Responsorial Psalm reminds us this Sunday, is to have a disposition of trust, reliance, and dependence upon God in all circumstances. It is an invitation to stop pretending that we have it all together, or that we do not need anyone. It is permission for us to ask for help, to reach out for support and accountability in our moments of weakness. It compels us to submit our lives to the Lord, and to seek His will above our own. 

Where in your life do you resist expressing need to God or others?

Where has pride or control turned you into the "god" of your life? What step can you take toward humility?

What weakness have you hidden out of fear or worry? How can you invite the Lord into this tender place?

Who are the poor among you that you are being called to serve?

I am praying for you. Please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, February 1st, 2026, the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalms 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10.