When we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, we become more like Him. As we grow close to God, we gain His peace and can extend His love to those around us. Because God is in control, unshaken by the world's troubles, we can be too, for the love of God calms our fears. Loving our neighbors, even those we disagree with, creates bonds that build unity. When we love as God loves, our neighbors stop being enemies and become brothers and sisters.

Readings at this Mass 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44

Jesus invites us to reject worldly standards and take on Godly standards with the Beatitudes. They are a kind of roadmap to sainthood, God's standards for leading a joyful, fulfilling life that also prepares us for our reward in heaven. Sainthood is not far from us, but is happening here and now: when we mourn, when we experience tribulations that cause us hunger and thirst for righteousness, when we show mercy, when we are peacemakers, when we are mistreated for the sake of peace for others.

Readings at this Mass: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 | 1 Jn 3:1-3 | Mt 5:1-12a

On being resilient and persistent in cultivating an upward movement toward God, Saint Cyprian of Carthage says that we must endure toil and fatigue while we are attempting to climb hills and mountains. However, the toil and fatigue are less if we set our eyes on heaven and consider the promised reward. This reminds us to continue to keep our focus on Jesus and remain resilient in inviting God to take part in our life.

Readings at this Mass: Jer 31:7–9 | Heb 5:1–6 | Mk 10:46–52