＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 17:1-6

Now Elijah,

The prophet from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As Yahweh, the God of Israel whom I serve lives,

neither dew shall drop nor rain fall except at my command."

Then the word of Yahweh came to Elijah, "Leave this place and go eastward.

Hide yourself by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook and, for your food,

I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." So Elijah obeyed the word of Yahweh and went to live by the brook Cherith,

east of the Jordan. There the ravens brought him bread in the morning and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.

 

Ps 121:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

 Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain.

He sat down and his disciples gathered around him. Then he spoke and began to teach them:

Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fortunate are those who mourn; they shall be comforted. 

Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the land.

Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.

 

Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. 

Fortunate are those with pure hearts, for they shall see God.

Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children of God.

Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you

because you are my followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God.

For that is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Sensitivity and trust are deeply intertwined.

In the Beatitudes, we are called to take action and recognize that our choices are the key to true happiness.

We are blessed not because we are sad or persecuted but because, despite these struggles, we trust in God.

We are blessed not because we are poor or weeping but because we can trust God amidst our poverty and sadness.

Only by trusting in God and following His path can we experience the joy of belonging to the Reign of God.

 

The Beatitudes also encompass a human dimension. We can feel blessed even if we are not mourning or poor.

The key is to focus on the intention behind the Beatitudes. To mourn means acknowledging the world's sorrows,

and we act to alleviate this burden. In doing so, we can discover happiness. You may not be poor,

but if you recognize the poverty around you and take steps to help those in need, then happiness becomes inevitable.

Sensitivity and trust are deeply intertwined. A trusting heart is attuned to God and the people He loves.

Today's Gospel invites us to reflect on Jesus' words: "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart."