INTERFAITH WISDOM

Matthew of Galilee - one of the twelve in the inner circle of disciples of Jesus of Nazareth.  One of the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels of the Christian Bible.  And . . . a one-time crooked tax collector.  And why do I mention that this week?  Yes, it's income tax week in the U.S.  Time to give to Caesar what is Caesar's.  (Why does it seem like we are giving what is ours to Caesar?)

To honor Matthew, I'll record here the beatitudes as preached by Jesus in His sermon on the mount - recounted in chapter 5 of his Gospel.

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.
• Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
• Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

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