Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven …
“Those who accept the call to embrace this Beatitude with their very lives, in their person and in their ministry, must first be persons of faith.”
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted ….
“We are invited to ‘Walk the Way of the Cross’ daily with our Lord in joy…and thus are able to intensely care about others and redeem their sufferings and sorrows….”
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth …
“The humble person removes fear from another. Only if our confidence lies in Christ can we be strong and meek…. ‘the Christ in me must increase; I must decrease.’”
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for holiness for they will be filled …
“To hunger is to desire earnestly. To thirst is to long for ardently….both of these words are used by our Lord to refer to a hunger and thirst of the heart and soul for love and union with God.”
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy …
“Mercy goes beyond justice. It meets the need with a spirit of generosity and unconditional love.”
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God …
“Jesus says to us that we must be true to the very reason for which we were created. Everything we experience, whether it is suffering, joy, work, prayer, or recreation….is done for the glory of the Father.”
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God …
“We become peacemakers by readily forgiving injury and bringing faith, light, joy, love, understanding and justice to others.”
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God …
“’The disciple cannot be greater than the Master. If they have persecuted me, then they will persecute you.’ Being a witness to the Gospel, persecution will inevitably follow.”
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