Mathew 5:1-12: The Beatitudes (John's translation):
Blessed are you who are feeling low
Blessed are you who are grieving
Blessed are you who are feeling weak and beaten
because of the state of this world
Rejoice because
God’s realm is near,
let God comfort you,
you will not lose
Blessed are you who still work diligently for
right relationships with one another and with creation
Blessed are you who show true justice with mercy
Blessed are you with a genuine desire to know God
Blessed are you who know that true peace is possible
Rejoice because
God fills you,
God shows you mercy,
God is revealed to you,
and calls you children
members of God’s family
Blessed are you when you are persecuted,
ignored, hated and lied about
Rejoice because heaven is as close to you as your own breath.