NARRATOR: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountainside. After he sat down, his disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
1: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the reign of God belongs to them.
2: Blessed are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.
3: Blessed are the meek; they shall inherit the land.
4: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill.
1: Blessed are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.
2: Blessed are the pure of heart; they shall see God.
3: Blessed, too, the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.
4: Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of holiness; the reign of God is theirs.
ALL: Blessed are you when people insult 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.
Matthew 5.1-12