#the scriptures

-“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for there’s in the kingdom of heaven”: we must choose to be humble before God and before others

-“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”: we ought to mourn for the violence and sin of this world, just as Christ did

-“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”: this is not a command to be a door mat and let people walk all over us. Rather, it’s a command to choose gentleness, humility, and patience with those around us

-“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”: we must hunger and thirst for righteousness as we would during a long fast

-“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”: we must show mercy, just as God shows never to us everyday

-“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”: we must choose peace in a world that glorifies violence

-“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”: we must have pure intentions within our hearts, free from any hidden motives or corruption

-If we are to do all of these things, we will be persecuted by this world. But we must take heart, for Christ has overcome the world, and has deprived it of its power to harm our soul, the eternal part of us.

Reflecting on the Beatitudes helps us reflect on the character of Christ; for by putting them into practice, we are allowing ourselves to be renewed by the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ Jesus.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 

Unveiled Faces