MATTHEW 5:1-12
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."
Take some time to pray and reflect on these questions:
When have you felt spiritually poor?
Along with all the suffering and isolation of the Pandemic, have you received any special blessings during this time.? What are those blessings?
What is your special way of spending time with Jesus?
If possible, share your answers to these questions in an atmosphere of peace and prayer with relatives or friends who have also heard this video.
When you’re ready, lilsten to Part II.
Take some time to pray and reflect on these questions:
What are the people, places and things that I am missing the most during the pandemic?
Has this time of sacrifice helped me to understand and appreciate these blessings more?
The Pope hopes that we will be profoundly shaken by what is happening around us. What is happening around you?
Do you feel profoundly shaken? If so, what is it that makes you feel that way?
What do I want our post-pandemic work to look like? How can I help to bring that about?
If possible, share your answers to these questions in an atmosphere of peace and prayer with relatives or friends who have also heard this video.
When you’re ready, listen to Part III.
Take some time to pray and reflect on these questions:
As we live this extended Pandemic, is the Lord inviting me to make peace with a person, a family or a community that has hurt me?
Can I extend the hand of friendship, even at the risk of being rejected or misunderstood?
If a reconciliation is not timely or possible, can I commit myself to praying daily for those from whom I feel separated by old hurts and disappointments?
Do I know someone who, like Jesus, has suffered for doing good?
The beatitudes teach us a new way of being happy. During this Pandemic, am I finding a new way of being happy?
If possible, share your answers to these questions in an atmosphere of peace and prayer with relatives or friends who have also heard this video.
Thanks for being part of this retreat.