First Reading

First reading

Reading from the prophecy of Zephaniah 

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Seek the Lord,
all you humble of the land,
who do his commands.

Seek justice, seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the Lord’s anger.

«On that day, says the Lord,
I will leave in your midst, my people,
a humble and lowly people.

The remnant of Israel
shall trust in the name of the Lord.
They shall do no wrong or speak lies;
nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
They shall graze and lie down
and none shall make them afraid.»

Second reading

Reading from the first letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians 

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Brothers and sisters: Consider your call, that not many of you were wise according to human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

For our sake he made him to be wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, «Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.»

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 5:1-12a

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

«Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.»