First Reading

Reading from the First Book of Kings

1 Kings 17, 1-6

At that time, the prophet Elijah, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to King Ahab: «As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the coming years except at my word».

Then the Lord said to Elijah: «Leave here; go eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. Drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there».

Elijah did as the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 5, 1-12

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

«Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will 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 people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you».