Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5, 1-12
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.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Be blessed!
1) Rejoice. The Gospel today echoes the word “Blessed,” reminding us that encountering Jesus transforms our lives. True happiness is found in Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus. Christian happiness is deeper than emotion, pleasure, or temporary satisfaction. It grows through an interior life rooted in God. To seek real happiness is to understand that it doesn’t depend mainly on external circumstances, but on intimacy with God, who helps us grow and move forward. Along the Christian journey, we’re called to live this happiness amid ordinary, everyday life. Even tears and suffering can become part of that path when they’re lived with faith and hope.
2) What it takes. Following Jesus means allowing the Gospel to take root in daily life. It means making space for prayer even on overwhelming days, and choosing love even when others are difficult, critical, or demanding. With Jesus, life’s burdens become lighter. He teaches us that we grow in holiness through our everyday actions—at home, at work, and in our daily responsibilities. It’s about finding the extraordinary right there in the ordinary. It’s up to you to make each day a little more like heaven, by giving your best with love and perseverance.
3) Peace. Seek what gives you peace, even in conflict or hardship. Don’t allow anyone to take away the peace that God places in your heart. A person is truly blessed when, despite difficulties, that peace remains alive within. Joy flows from inner peace. You cultivate that peace by training your eyes to recognize what is good, even in painful or negative situations. Joy is not determined by results, but by the perspective with which you face the things that happen to you in life. When your heart rests in God, peace becomes the soil where lasting joy can grow.
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
