Memory of the Saints and the Prophets

Remembrance of the terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001. Memorial of the victims of terrorism and violence and prayer for peace.

Reading of the Word of God

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

You are a chosen race,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people acquired by God
to proclaim his marvellous works.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Luke 6,20-26

Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said: How blessed are you who are poor: the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are hungry now: you shall have your fill. Blessed are you who are weeping now: you shall laugh. 'Blessed are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, look!-your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets. But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now. Alas for you who have plenty to eat now: you shall go hungry. Alas for you who are laughing now: you shall mourn and weep. 'Alas for you when everyone speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.

 

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

You will be holy,
because I am holy, thus says the Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Th Beatitudes are the central speech of Jesus' proclamation While Matthew collocates them as spoken on a mountain, as to remember the gift of the Law from God on Sinai, Luke speaks of a plain. The words of the Gospel are mixed to the lives of people, and Jesus does not pronounce an abstract speech nor does he present a high doctrine that is above people's heads. The evangelist Luke records only four beatitudes. Jesus announces to the poor, the hungry, the abandoned and those who thirst for justice that they can finally be happy because God has chosen to stand beside them. For this reason, they are "blessed". They are loved by God and preferred by God compared to the many others who believe they are satisfied with themselves for having wealth and security. If Jesus says that they are blessed, it is because God has chosen to be with them first before others. And Jesus demonstrates it in person by his own example. The very grave and fascinating task of making the poor and the weak feel God's privileged love just as Jesus had done his entire life is entrusted to us believers. The rich, the satiated, the strong need to be careful - and often we are among their ranks - because it is more difficult for them to be happy. With his "woe to you," Jesus warns that it is vain to seek happiness in self-love and riches. The way to happiness is for the rich to spend their lives for the poor and the weak. It is the same invitation Jesus spoke to the young rich man. It repeats it to all of us today who are often rich and satiated with ourselves.