Matthew 5:1-12

Gospel Lesson of the Week 
All Saints Sunday

 
In the Beatitudes, Jesus provides a unique description of those who are blessed with God’s favor. His teaching is surprising and shocking to those who seek wealth, fame, and control over others.

¹When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. ²Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
  ³“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  ⁴“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  ⁵“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  ⁶“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
  ⁷“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
  ⁸“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
  ⁹“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
  ¹⁰“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  ¹¹“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Gospel Refection Questions: 

• This text, called “The Beatitudes,” is a favorite of many – which of Jesus’ “blessed are the …” phrases do you like best? Why?
• This Sunday is “All Saints Sunday” – Think of the living “saints” in your life – Take time this week to tell them how important they are for you.
• Take time this week to thank God for the “peacemakers” of our time – Think of those people who are working for peace in this world today and thank God for them.

Prayer: 

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on
the coming weekend's Gospel text before worship.  We encourage you
to read the text, reflect on the questions with others. 
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