The Beatitudes

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

• means to be humble. Humility is the realization that all your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God. To have poverty of spirit means to be completely empty and open to the Word of God.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth

• A person that is meek is one that exhibits self-control. God advises us to be meek in the face of the Lord, and not resist but be obedient to him. Obedience and submission to the will of God are certainly not in vogue these days, but they will bring one peace in this world and in the next.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted

• If we are humble and appreciate that all of our gifts and blessings come from God, we grow in love and gratitude for Jesus. But this can only produce mourning and regret over our own sins and the sins of this world, for we have hurt the one who has been so good to us. One also mourns for the suffering of others.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied

• Justice and righteousness in the New Covenant indicate the fulfillment of God's will in your heart and soul. It is not mere observance of the law (Matthew 5:20), but rather an expression of brotherly love (I John 3:10). A continuous desire for justice and moral perfection will lead one to a fulfillment of that desire - a transition and conversion to holiness.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy

• Mercy is the loving disposition towards those who suffer distress. Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards a family member or neighbor will bring peace in your relationships. We say in the Lord's Prayer: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

BLESSED ARE THE PURE OF HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD

• This means that anyone who loves God, will see God. It also applies to the faithful. Most people can fit into this category.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD

• This means that God appreciates all of the peacemakers. He appreciates the people that appreciate him. These people will be called children of God.

BLESSED ARE THEY WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

• This means that God appreciates everybody that is persecuted for their beliefs. If somebody is persecuted for practicing a certain faith, God will appreciate that person a lot. Many people are persecuted.