First reading 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
God comforts us so that we can console others
From Paul, appointed by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, one of the brothers, to the church of God at Corinth and to all the saints in the whole of Achaia. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, a gentle Father and the God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our sorrows, so that we can offer others, in their sorrows, the consolation that we have received from God ourselves. Indeed, as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so, through Christ, does our consolation overflow. When we are made to suffer, it is for your consolation and salvation. When, instead, we are comforted, this should be a consolation to you, supporting you in patiently bearing the same sufferings as we bear. And our hope for you is confident, since we know that, sharing our sufferings, you will also share our consolations.
Responsorial Psalm 33(34):2-9
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
Gospel Matthew 5:1-12
How happy are the poor in spirit
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
‘How happy are the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven: this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.’
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Living the Beatitudes
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…who comforts us in all our sorrows, so that we can offer others, in their sorrows, the consolations that we have received from God ourselves” (1st reading). St Paul experienced sadness in his life, but along with it, he experienced the consolation of God. The consoling presence of God gave him the peace he needed. Likewise, in our suffering, we go to God and experience the comfort that He provides. Our suffering makes us compassionate and opens our hearts to want to help others in their suffering. In this way, we can help others to discover God’s loving presence in their lives.
In the gospel, Jesus also reminds us that God’s path to life is unlike the world’s. The world considers the rich and the powerful as “blessed”. Jesus sees as blessed those who are poor, humble, gentle, peaceful, etc. Jesus Himself lived the Beatitudes and suffered because of it. However, His life, full of truth and honesty, was blessed indeed. Today, as His disciples, let us follow His path and start living real happiness.
Reflective question:
What is Jesus’ message to me today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
