Matthew 5:1-12

We are told that Jesus "fixed his eyes on the disciples" before speaking. It suggests that he was about to say something that he really wanted them to take in. Surprisingly he then tells it is no bad thing for us to be poor or hungry. But perhaps you have recognised the truth in what St. Augustine said, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord , and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."

"Blessed are you who weep" is not an encouragement to be miserable. Rather it is an affirmation of the importance of loving relationships in life. We are blessed to have such people in our lives, but there may also be pain. Yet is it not true that the blessing of loving and being loved is worth the price you pay?

Jesus said that his followers would be open to opposition and ridicule because of him - and they are blessed when this happens. Unpleasant it may, but have you not been grateful on those occasions when you had the courage to stand by something that you believed in?