Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Prayer (The Intercessions from Prayer for Each Day from the Taize Community)
May your peace shine among us and your love set us free, Lord, we pray.
Keep us persevering in faith and set in our hearts the desire for your Kingdom…
Guide your Church along the way of the Gospel; may your Holy Spirit keep her welcoming…
We pray for the leaders of the nations; may they have the will to promote justice and freedom…
O Christ, you have take our weaknesses upon yourself and taken charge of our illnesses; support those who are going through trials…
For those who work with the oppressed, with foreigners and with the lonely…
We entrust to you our families and friends, all who have asked for our prayers and who pray for us…
For our country, our region (village, town…), that the Christians there may be witnesses to truth and creators of unity, Lord, we pray.
Jesus our joy, you want us to have hearts that are simple, a kind of springtime of the heart. And then the complications of existence do not paralyze us so much. You tell us: don’t worry; even if you have very little faith, I, Christ, am with you always. Amen.