Here is today’s Gospel, the Beatitudes, from St Matthew: ‘Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth 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 obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men 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, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you”’.

When Jesus goes up a mountain, it is always a significant moment – as in the account of the Transfiguration. It is as with Moses on Mount Sinai, when he went up to receive the Law from God. Here in the Beatitudes is the new Law, from the mouth of the Son of God, the outworking of the Law of Love.

May we heed this new law, putting it faithfully into practice; and may God bless you this day.