Alleluia, Alleluia!     

Come you who my father has blessed, says the Lord;    

take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you 

since the foundation of the world.                                                                                             

Alleluia!

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the gentle; they shall have the earth as their heritage. Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right; they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful; they shall have mercy shown them. Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of right; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven

This is the Gospel of the Lord.