Today's readings show the special place the poor and the just have in God's heart.

Forrest Gump. Gomer Pyle. Little Orphan Annie. Linus Van Pelt. Jane Eyre. Tiny Tim Cratchit. And every other underdog of literature or film you can name. What do they have in common? A sterling goodness that more than makes up for everything they lack, including: money, ability, stature, strength, and authority.

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him.

Jenn stood on the sidelines, clipboard in hand, coaching the sixth-grade girls’ volleyball team. She encouraged, she cajoled, and she redirected as she moved the girls in and out of the game.

Blessed are the poor in spirit. Poor in spirit ourselves, we seek the Lord's mercy.

When Jesus and his disciples are said to be in the world but not of the world, the meaning is clear enough. Although they live in the world they are not worldly, they do not subscribe to the present values and standards of the world.