“The Beatitudes”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
February 16 – 17, 2019
Everybody wants to be happy, and we all know those things that will help us achieve it. Eating right, sleeping well, exercising regularly, and praying without end are essential. But we don’t do those things. Why? Simple. We are too busy. Too busy doing what? Too busy trying to be happy…and that is the paradox of happiness that has bewitched our age.
God created us to know, serve, and love Him. He also wants us to be joyful. But, happiness can be a fleeting thing unless we seek it in Him. Only in God can we find eternal happiness. The Beatitudes are a guide on how to practice the highest Christian virtues. They are at the heart of Jesus’ teachings, and respond to our natural desire to lead happy lives. It teaches us that true happiness is not found in riches, fame, or personal achievements. That kind of happiness can be found in God alone.
The Beatitudes (from the Baltimore Catechism, p. 151-152):
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit are those who humbly submit to the condition of their lives
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Mourners are those who endure all trials for His sake.
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The meek suppress all feelings of anger and humbly submit to whatever befalls them by the Will of God never desiring to do evil for evil.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Those who earnestly desire and seek justice will find it.
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. The merciful help those who need help for their soul or body.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. The pure in heart are those whose thoughts, desires, words, and works are pure and modest.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Peacemakers avoid/prevent quarrels and reconcile with enemies.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Those persecuted for righteousness’ sake will not abandon their faith or virtue for any cause.
Our Lord lived the Beatitudes. During His life on Earth, Christ experienced poverty in His birth, life, and death; meekness in His teaching; and sorrow at all times. He sought to do good, showed mercy to all, recommended chastity, brought peace, and patiently endured suffering. We are called to do the same.
How will you apply this message to your life? Will you use the Beatitudes as a guide for living your life? Will you seek happiness from God alone…the one true source for eternal happiness?