Blessed are the...

Church of the Beatitudes

This morning, we all went up to the Mount of Beatitudes, which overlooks the entire Sea of Galilee and its surrounding hills. I can imagine that anyone living around the sea would probably have been able to see a crowd gathering around Jesus. This place offers much more than a beautiful view of the sea. We came here to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, and then for over an hour we had a chance to meditate in silence on the truths that were taught upon this Mount. 

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“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. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:1-12)

In the afternoon, we had enough time to spend some last moments by the sea of Galilee and to prepare ourselves for tomorrows departure to Jerusalem.