The Challenge of the New Year

Then Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and gathered them around him.  He taught them saying:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are the meek.  Blessed are they that mourn.  Blessed are the merciful.  Blessed are they that thirst for justice.  Blessed are you when you suffer.  Be glad and rejoice for your reward is in heaven.“