A simple way of looking at and understanding the beautitudes is that they are beautiful guides in which we live our lives. It gives us assurance, strength and comfort to live Holy lives in the peace and love of the Lord our God. It reminds us to be outward looking to live not for ourselves but to reach out to those in need.Then we will live in God’s providence and love. In difficult times He will make a way for us, such that even ravenous birds might offer up their spoils for us. When we thirst we will find streams of living water. We need only follow His direction and Will for us. If we fall asleep, then we will sleep in His loving embrace. When we rise we will rise to new life in Him. Amen
First reading
1 Kings 17:1-6 ·
The Lord sends Elijah into the wildernessElijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord lives, the God of Israel whom I serve, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years except at my order.’
The word of the Lord came to him, ‘Go away from here, go eastwards, and hide yourself in the wadi Cherith which lies east of Jordan. You can drink from the stream, and I have ordered the ravens to bring you food there.’ He did as the Lord had said; he went and stayed in the wadi Cherith which lies east of Jordan. The ravens brought him bread in the morning and meat in the evening, and he quenched his thirst at the stream.
Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12
How happy are the poor in spiritSeeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:‘How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:theirs is the kingdom of heaven.‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven: this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.’
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