A Guide to Relationships

Relationships, especially our closest relationships, can be difficult, especially in a world that explictly or implicitly advocates selfishness, hyper-sensitivity, getting-in-your-face.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives us a better guide in the Beatitides, set forth in today's Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12a).

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they
who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they
who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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

Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.