“I tell you, the tax collector went home accepted by God, but the Pharisee didn’t. All those who lift themselves up will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up.”
My dear brothers and sisters, listen to me. Hasn’t God chosen those who are poor in the world’s eyes to be rich in faith? Hasn’t he chosen them to receive the kingdom that he promised to give to those who love him?
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you’ve hidden these things from wise and educated people and shown them to little children.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to announce the good news to the poor. He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to make the blind see again, to set free those who are mistreated,
When Jesus saw this, he was furious. He told his disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and don’t keep them away, because the kingdom of God belongs to people like them.
Blessed is the person who keeps going when times are difficult. After they’ve made it through these times, they’ll receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to give to those who love him.
Then the angel told me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Then he added, “These are the true words of God.”
“Then the King will speak to those on his right and say, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take what is yours. Receive the kingdom that has been prepared for you since the world was created.