Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV)
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When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his
disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will
be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all
kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your
reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you.
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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
- Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)
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BITTER words had passed between the two men. Bill, the employer, could not
accept Charlie’s performance on the job and so Charlie was fired. Ten years had
passed and neither had spoken to the other. At a large public gathering, a very
nervous but determined peacemaker named John managed to get Bill and Charlie to
sit down together to talk about their differences. After some harsh words were
spoken, kind words were exchanged. Both men apologized, forgave each other, and
left that place feeling relieved that the painful experience would no longer
ruin their relationship.
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Paul tells us that every follower of Jesus Christ is charged with the work of
reconciliation - helping others to find peace with one another and with God (2
Cor. 5:19). Our message is simple but powerful: Because of Jesus’ death on the
cross, we can live in a relationship of peace with God and with others.
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Jesus said that peacemakers will be called children of God. Could we know any
better honor?
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PRAYER: O God, thank you for your forgiveness. Help us to live peaceably with,
and carry the message of reconciliation to, everyone we meet. Amen.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Reconciliation is a wonderful and sacred task.– Earle Wilson (Indiana, U.S.A.)
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PRAYER FOCUS: Someone in need of my forgiveness
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Want to live a happy and healthy life? Let
love rule.
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“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.”
– Sophocles
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“Moving On , Forgiveness and letting go are steps on our road back to happiness.Without them we will never be free of our pasts. We deserve to move on. We need not be held hostage to our pasts if we are willing to release and grow beyond them.” ~ Tina Dayton
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“The sweetest grapes are picked from the vineyard of friendship.”– Anon.
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“When the devil remind you of your past, you advise him of his future.” ~ Anon.
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“Love is a taste of paradise.”– Sholem Aleichem
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“I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in
building a better
world through human understanding and love.” — The Dalai Lama ********************************
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