Readings for June 8, 2009

2Cor 1:1-7
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy, our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, and to all the saints in the whole of Achaia. 2May you receive grace and peace from God our Father and from Christ Jesus, the Lord.
3Blessed be God, the Father of Christ Jesus, our Lord, the all-merciful Father and the God of all comfort! 4He encourages us in all our trials, so that we may also encourage those in any trial, with the same comfort that we receive from God.
5For whenever the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so, through Christ, a great comfort also overflows. 6So, if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we receive comfort it is also for you. You may experience the same comfort when you come to endure the same sufferings we endure. 7Our hope for you is most firm; just as you share in our sufferings, so shall you also share in our consolation.


Ps 34:2-9
2I will bless the Lord all my days;
his praise will be ever on my lips.
3My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the lowly hear and rejoice.
4Oh, let us magnify the Lord,
together let us glorify his name!
5I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
from all my fears he delivered me.
6They who look to him are radiant with joy,
their faces never clouded with shame.
7When the poor cry out, the Lord hears
and saves them from distress.
8The Lord’s angel encamps and patrols
to keep safe those who fear him.
9Oh, see and taste the goodness of the Lord!
Blessed is the one who finds shelter in him!



Mt 5:1-12
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. He sat down and his disciples gathered around him. 2Then he spoke and began to teach them:
3Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Fortunate are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.
5Fortunate are the gentle, they shall possess the land.
6Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
7Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.
8Fortunate are those with a pure heart, for they shall see God.
9Fortunate are those who work for peace, they shall be called children of God.
10Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers. 12Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God. This is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.