The Sermon on the Mount spells out for us the Christian way of life. It is a statement of the values that should be ours and the virtues we should practice. Part of the sermon, known as The Beatitudes, presents these values as a challenge, as a plan of action so to speak. They enable us to really scrutinize our involvement, or perhaps lack of involvement, with Jesus the Way, the Truth and The Life.

Prayer Reflection on The Beatitudes

Cel Hope and Kevin Hedderman for a catechumenate class

These following words from scripture . . ." could not have been spoken by one who was only human. They are too contradictory to human wisdom. They are the opposite of everything the world teaches about power and glory, about getting ahead, about ''making it,'' about wealth and success and prestige. Listen to them again, these words of what is traditionally called the Sermon on the Mount: the Beatitudes."

THE EIGHT BEATITUDES (Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23)

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

         Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.

         Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.

         Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.

         Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

         Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.

         Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

         Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Excerpt from the homily of Cardinal O'Connor's

at the Mass for the World Day of Peace,

 St. Patrick's Cathedral.

PRAYER REFLECTION ON THE BEATITUDES

1.       Which beatitude do you feel most comfortable with? Which one do you feel is part of who you are? Which one do you think you reflect most in your life?