Lectionary: 667
Read the Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
Gospel Summary
Today’s Gospel reading is the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, a series of teachings given by Jesus that focus on how to live as a disciple in the world. Today’s portion of the Sermon on the Mount is the Beatitudes. In them, Jesus explains how we are to live if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God. Many of the actions—such as being poor in spirit or meek or merciful—are seen as signs of weakness, not as signs of power and strength. Yet Jesus promises that the kingdom belongs to those who live in these ways.
Reflection for Parents
Many of the saints whose lives we celebrate on this day honored the Beatitudes through their humility, meekness, sense of justice, and efforts to bring about peace. Think of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Francis, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and Blessed Solanus Casey. And who are the saints in your own life—the holy women and men you know or have known—who lived in the way of the Beatitudes and now enjoy eternal life with Jesus, Mary, and the angels and saints?
Today, take a few minutes to think about each Beatitude. In what areas can you change and grow to become a more faithful follower of Christ?
Bringing the Good News Into Your Family
Create a special family devotional area for the month of November. Display photographs of the family members and friends you thought of as you reflected on the Beatitudes. Take time today to tell your family about some of those special people who are or who were a part of your life. Remember them in prayer today.
Discussion Starters
- My favorite saint is . . .
- Someone I know who is a peacemaker is . . .
- Someone we know who could use comfort is . . .
- Something we could do to help her/him is . . .
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