Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others insult you, persecute you, and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.
Living the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes open the Sermon on the Mount and describe happiness according to God's Kingdom. They do not praise poverty or persecution for their own sake. They proclaim God's closeness to people who suffer and call disciples to mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and justice.
Choose one Beatitude for the week. Examine your decisions in its light and turn it into a concrete action: comfort someone, share, forgive, defend a person, or help resolve a conflict peacefully.