The "Lamb": Refers to Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for sin.

Washed in the blood: A symbolic paradox meaning that a person's sins are completely cleansed

and forgiven through the death of Jesus, rather than physical blood staining the garment.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

I saw another angel,

Ascending from the sunrise, carrying the seal of the living God,

and he cried out with a loud voice, to the four angels empowered to harm

the earth and the sea, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees,

until we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads."

 

Then, I heard the number of those marked with the seal:

a hundred and forty-four thousand, from all the tribes of the people of Israel:

After this, I saw a great crowd, impossible to count, from every nation,

race, people and tongue, standing before the throne, and the Lamb,

clothed in white, with palm branches in their hands, and they cried out with a loud voice,

"Who saves, but our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb?"

 

All the angels were around the throne, the elders and the four living creatures;

they, then, bowed before the throne, with their faces to the ground, to worship God.

They said, Amen. Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength to our God forever and ever. Amen!

At that moment, one of the elders spoke up, and said to me, "Who are these people clothed in white,

and where did they come from?" I answered, "Sir, it is you who know this."

The elder replied, "They are those who have come out of the great persecution;

they have washed and made their clothes white in the blood of the Lamb.

 

Ps 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

2nd Reading: 1 John 3:1-3

See what singular love the Father has for us: we are called children of God,

and we really are. This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know him.

Beloved, we are God's children, and what we shall be has not, yet, been shown.

Yet, when he appears in his glory, we know that we shall be like him, for then,

we shall see him as he is. All who have such a hope, try to be pure, as he is pure.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain.

He sat down and his disciples gathered around him. Then he spoke and began to teach them:

Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fortunate are those who mourn; they shall be comforted.

Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the land.

Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.

 

Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.

Fortunate are those with pure hearts, for they shall see God.

Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children of God.

Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you

and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers.

Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Reflection:

Lectio Divina

True blessedness comes through humility, mercy, and righteous living

 

Read: In the first reading, John describes a vision of a great multitude from every nation,

praising God beyond earthly trials, emphasizing the importance of the faithful marked for salvation.

The second reading reveals the profound love of God, who calls us His children,

inviting us to live in purity as we await our complete transformation in Christ.

In the gospel, Jesus presents the Beatitudes, teaching the people that true blessedness

comes through humility, mercy, and righteous living, promising comfort

and rewards in heaven for those who embody these attributes.

 

Reflect: The Beatitudes present a path to blessedness that challenges

the conventional understanding of happiness. Jesus outlines choices we can make:

to be poor in spirit, to mourn, to hunger for righteousness, and to practice mercy.

These choices reflect a profound shift in values, emphasizing humility, compassion,

and justice over worldly success. By embracing these attitudes, we align ourselves with God's kingdom.

Blessedness is not merely a feeling but a deliberate choice to embody Christ-like virtues.

As we live out these Beatitudes, we experience true joy and become signs of hope and grace in a troubled world.

 

Pray: Let us pray with St. Therese: Lord, allow me to "spend my heaven by doing good on earth."

 

 Act: Thank God for the gift of the Saints in our lives. Ask your favorite Saint to pray for you.