God blesses you when people mock you
and persecute you and lie about you
and say all sorts of evil things against you
because you are my followers.
Be happy about it!
Be very glad!
For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember,
the ancients prophets were persecuted in the same way.
(Sea of Galilee)
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
for they will refresh your soul.
…They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
…for the LORD is your security.
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
One day as Jesus was walking
along the shore of the Sea of Galilee,
he saw two brothers—
Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—
throwing a net into the water,
for they fished for a living.
Jesus called out to them,
“Come, follow me,
and I will show you how to fish for people!”
…the LORD grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
But Jesus told him,
“No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water,
the heavens were opened
and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and settling on him.
And a voice from heaven said,
“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
(Hubble telescope photo)
