A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountainside.  After Jesus sat down, the disciples gathered around, and he began to teach them:

“How blest are the poor in spirit;

the reign of God is theirs.

Blessed too are the sorrowing;

they will be consoled.

Blessed are the lowly;

they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness;

they will have their fill.

Blessed are they who show mercy;

mercy will be them.

Blessed are the single-hearted;

they will see God.

Blessed too are the peacemakers;

they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those persecuted for holiness’ sake;

the reign of God is theirs.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter          every kind of slander against you because of me.

Be glad and rejoice, for your reward in heaven is great.

They persecuted the prophets before you in the very same way.

The Good News as spoken through Matthew.