Faith, Folklore, and Friends

How blessed is the person,      who does not take the advice of the wicked, who does not stand on the path with sinners,      and who does not sit in the seat of mockers. 2  But he delights in the  Lord ’s instruction,      and meditates in his instruction day and night. 3  He will be like a tree planted by streams of water,      yielding its fruit in its season,          and whose leaf does not wither. He will prosper in everything he does. ~Psalm 1:1-3

  And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto 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 they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.   Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.   Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.   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 the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: ...

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.   They took palm branches  and went out to meet him, shouting,  Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the  name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!   Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;      see, your King is coming,      seated on a donkey’s colt. ~John 12: 12-15

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. ~Matthew 5:10-12

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.                               ~Matthew 5:11-12

  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. ~Matthew 5:4