1. The Beatitudes

2. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

3. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Definition-spiritual poverty-we realize everything we are and have, are from God.
Reflection:
Can I let “things” go?
Am I satisfied with what I have?
Am I filled with myself? Or am I leaving room for the Holy Spirit?
Gift-Fear of the Lord
Action-we are detached from wealth; self- emptying
Deadly sin - pride (vainglory)

4. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Docility, strength, modesty-I can listen to others and can be taught. I am confident in my relationship with God. I know He loves me and trust His plan for my life.
Reflection:
Am I seeking God’s will? Or focused on what I want to do?
Am I afraid to admit when I make a mistake?
Do I accept correction and advice from those in authority or do I rebel?
Gift: Piety
Action-detachment from power
Sin-envy

5. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
For our sins, those of the world, and in our longing for union with God
Reflection:
Do I work on properly forming my conscience?
Do I avail myself of Confession frequestly?
Do I really listen to people, or am I thinking about what I want/need?
Gift: Knowledge
Action-detachment from pleasure; focus on compassion, empathy, sympathy
Sin-wrath

6. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
We seek holiness because we desire to be with God. I try to do the right thing every day. Longing for the Good, the True, the Beautiful
Reflection-
What should I want?
Do I pray for the virtues I need?
Do I have a plan for my life to grow in holiness?
Do I accept that we all have a universal call to holiness?
Gift: Fortitude
Action-pursue justice
Sin-sloth

7. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
A loving disposition towards those who suffer. I look out for, and take care of others.
Reflection:
What should I do?
Do I help those who are weaker than me?
Do I accept my role as leader?
Gift: Counsel
Action-pursue mercy (careful not to show “false mercy”)
Sin-wrath

8. Blessed are the Pure of heart, for they will see God
Blessed are the Pure of heart, for they will see God. (spiritual Poverty)
“What comes out of a man is what defiles a man” our evil thoughts, actions. I recognize that evil exits and I try to stay away from what is evil.
Reflection:
Do I do the right thing, or do I go along with peer opinions?
Gift: Understanding
Action-Prudence in action; we are pure in heart
Sin-gluttony (excess)

9. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
The tranquility (peace) of order. I try to find ways to help people work together. I don’t disrupt things when I enter a room, a game, etc. I work to help finish things well.
Reflection:
What is peace?
Is my sole focus on God? Do other things / people concern me more than God?
Gift: Wisdom
Action-we are peacemakers
Sin-lust

10. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Reflection:
How far am I willing to take my beliefs: Do I stop when they are inconvenient/uncomfortable?
Do I pray to God for the strength to keep and practice my faith?
Am I willing to practice my faith despite what others are doing?

11. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

12. Matthew 5:1-12a

13. Credits The Sower, October 2009
St. Rita School Resource Packet (The Beatitudes),
Image of God Series “Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life”
Lecture: Rev Paul Scalia (May 2010)
St. Bonaventure
St. Augustine