It is the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. Today’s music is “Les Béatitudes” by César Franck:

Today’s Gospel reading is Matthew 5:1-12:

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The text of today’s piece is available here. It contains these words:

Chorus:
Poor human souls, thus striving
For the fitful joys of earth;
Whom deadly sin is driving!
Give holy Meekness birth.
Her sacred lamp burns ever brightly,
She, only, can allay your care,
She, only, maketh hang more lightly
Those chains, which goad you to despair.

Christ:
O! blessed are the meek!
For them earth’s treasures all are gathered.

Chorus:
Grief o’er all creatures
Reigns supreme,
Her terrible features
Haunt every dream;
Our sad cries unavailing,
Each she claims as her slave;
Each with rigor unfailing
Drives to the grave.

Christ:
Blessed are the mourners,
For they shall be consoled!

Happy listening! Soli Deo gloria.

[Cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back.]

[guest post by JVW]

I don’t want to run afoul of the NFL’s precious trademark, hence the arch title.

My thoughts haven’t changed over the past two years. Though this year I do plan to watch the game seeing as how a friend is throwing a party. Apart from the overblown interest in the contest, the conviviality of the event makes it tolerable.

As I type this very moment, Kansas City is an ever-so-slight favorite, and the line has remained relatively unchanged since it opened. It might be more fun this year to take one of the crazy proposition bets that are offered. For instance, you can get 14:1 odds betting that the game will go to overtime, or you can play a relatively safe bet and wager $90 to win $10 that there won’t be a safety in the first half, or $60 to win $10 that there won’t be a safety at any point in the game.

Use this post to discuss anything football related. Regardless of whether or not you watch, I hope you have an enjoyable Sunday.

– JVW