The Apostles, Op. 49, Pt. 1: II. By the Wayside

Jesus:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mary (The Blessed Virgin), John and Peter:

He setteth the poor on high from affliction.

Judas:

He poureth contempt upon princes.

Jesus:

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

John:

The Lord shall give them rest from their sorrow,

Peter:

and will turn their mourning into joy,

Mary and John:

and will comfort them:

Women

Weeping may endure for a night,

Men:

but joy cometh in the morning.

Jesus:

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The People:

The meek also shall increase their joy -

Mary, John and Peter:

in the Lord

The People:

and the poor among men shall rejoice -

Mary, John and Peter:

in the Holy One of Israel.

Jesus:

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Mary, John, Peter and Judas:

Mercy and truth are met together righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

The People:

Sow to yourselves in righteousness,

Jesus:

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The People:

reap in mercy.

Mary, John and Peter:

He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Judas:

The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: the rich hath many friends.

The People:

Draw out thy soul to the hungry,

John:

and satisfy the afflicted soul

Peter:

then shall thy light rise in obscurity.

Jesus:

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Mary:

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil.

John

Blessed are the undefiled.

Peter

Who can say, I have made my heart clean?

Judas:

The stars are not pure in His sight,

The People:

How much less man.

Jesus:

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

The People:

The work of righteousness shall be peace.

Jesus:

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Mary, Apostles and Chorus:

Blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all Thy scourges,

for they shall rejoice for Thee, when they have seen all Thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.