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

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

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This Beatitude is in reference to those who rely on God to provide for their needs. “The anawim realize their helplessness and total dependence on God.” (pp 126). Poor in spirit does not refer to being poor in material possessions. Instead, it praises the people who stay humble and know that God provides for them. They must do so with happiness and a positive attitude.

Jackie Sempek discovered her cancer when she was pregnant and her husband was ill. After giving birth, and after just 12 weeks, she discovered she was pregnant with her third. At the time, she was going through chemo. During this trying time, she turned to God to provide for her instead. After the death of her husband, she moved and found a place where she could be closer to God. Sempek exemplifies the Beatitude by choosing to follow God instead of turning to material possessions to try to fix her problems.

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

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

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I practice the Beatitude by donating things of my own, and giving up my material possessions to turn to God instead. A high schooler could practice this by giving up their own material possessions, and turning to God to provide for them instead.

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Persecution is painful emotionally, psychologically, and in some instances, even physically. That is why the scripture specifically declares a blessing for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Persecution can come upon us because of our own doing, and this brings pain and sorrow apart from the blessing. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (pp 125)

Kristin Chenoweth exemplifies this beatitude greatly. She stays strong with her faith no matter what her fans say or do. She has received many threats and hate because she speaks out on her faith. “I’m an actress and a singer and I’m also a Christian. We’re not all crazy right-wingers,” Chenoweth , who was raised Baptist, told the National Catholic Reporter. “I just want to be like Jesus, forgiving and loving and nonjudgmental, accepting of everyone even if they don’t agree.”

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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High school students can practice this beatitude by reading the bible and completely opening their heart and mind to the meaning of the passage. Interact with others, working not to show prejudice or bias. Do a good deed without expecting anything in return. Show kindness in everything they do.

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Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

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Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

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Meekness, in the Beatitude, does not mean weakness or submissiveness. Instead, being meek means to find a difference between anger and peace. People who are meek are able to identify appropriate times to show anger and other emotions. And, above all else, meek people put loves before their own. “Living this Beatitude is a reminder to treat others with full respect and to be aware of their needs, often putting them before yours.” (pp 127)

Albert Schweitzer showed incredible meekness in his life. When he earned his medical degree, he moved to work at Paris Missionary Society’s mission in Africa. There, he and his wife, Helene Breslau, helped thousands of people deal with disease and other societal fears. Back in Europe, he held several lectures and concerts to fundraiser for the hospital he built in Africa. He exemplified the Beatitude by putting people’s lives above his own, and helping thousands of people combat disease.

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Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

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Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

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Personally, I practice this Beatitude by volunteering at places and helping people. A high school student could practice this Beatitude by volunteering at a soup kitchen, or by helping those in need.

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Mark Wahlberg coming to Chicago to encourage young Catholics to find faith

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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

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We can see that Jesus is not referring to the emptiness or dryness we experience between meals when he says "hunger" or "thirst," but to a hunger or thirst that seems to never be satiated. With physical appetite, this would be a hunger and thirst that made us feel as if we could eat and drink much more, even after a big meal and lots of water! "It is the hunger of the man who is starving for food, and the thirst of the man who will die unless he drinks," (pp. 99-100).

Mark Wahlberg exemplifies this beatitude greatly. He is a devoted Catholic and is not afraid to speak out on his faith. “Mark Wahlberg on Being a Christian in Hollywood: ' I Will Not Hide The Fact That I Love The Lord' Mark Wahlberg loves Jesus and he's not afraid to tell his Hollywood colleagues about his faith.” In this picture he is showing the youth and fans about his faith.

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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

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High school students can practice this beatitude by helping others to take the right path. Trust everyone and know they may let you down. Hunger for what God has to say to you as you start your day

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

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

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This Beatitude is focused on spreading peace and love. It mainly focuses on spreading peace throughout the world. It is about helping others enjoy all that life has to offer. "You are to work to settle disputes, root out violence, forgive, defend the innocent, and show compassion" (YLIC 128) It is all about showing what the world has to offer.

Nelson Mandela exemplifies this beatitude greatly. He was the first black president of South Africa. During this he also fought for equality for all those who were struggling to enjoy the freedoms of the world. He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993 for his efforts. He also was an advocate for human rights around the world.

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

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

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Highschool kids can practice this Beatitude by going out and inviting those around them to hang out and have fun.

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Justin Bieber celebrating with children.

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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

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This Beatitude explains that those that give unto others will receive the mercy of the lord. It also shares that those who give unto others are welcomed into the kingdom of God. This beatitudes main focus is showing empathy. "The petition in the Our Father that God 'forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us' represents well the requirements of living this Beatitude" (YLIC 127).

Justin Bieber exemplifies this Beatitude greatly as shown in the image above. He gives his time and money he earns from frame to give kids who are not able to go to school have an education. He also donates his money to children's hospitals to help families pay for the wellness of their child. In the image he is celebrating with kids who now have an accessible education.

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A woman (left) kindly assisting the elderly with their groceries.

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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

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Highschool kids can practice this Beatitude by devoting their free time to helping others, such as assisting the elderly or helping to tutor a kid who is struggling in school.

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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Jesus presently says that the “pure in heart” are honored, for they will see God. This does not mean they will be glad or happy all the time, however, it implies they ought not to feel utter hopelessness. Jesus is concerned with our heart. It is not enough to clean up our act on the outside. “The aim of Jesus Christ is not to reform the manners of society, but to change the hearts of sinners like you and me.” (pp 127) So, for example, Jesus would not be satisfied with a society in which there were no acts of adultery. You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28).

Pope Francis exemplifies this beatitude greatly. He is pure in heart and lives for the Lord. He goes all out, not halfway, therefore he will see God. We must come to God by faith in order to draw near to Him, and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Pope Francis does this very well and lives his day to day life with the faith of God.

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Mother enjoying the life she has with her newborn

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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High school students can practice this beatitude by going to confession and living out God’s grace to the fullest. To draw near to the Lord, we are called to confess our sins. First John 1:9 teaches, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

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Robert Downey Jr. comforting a mourning child.

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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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This Beatitude reassures us that no matter what God is always with us. It reassures us that even when we are crying God will be there to comfort us. "The experience of mourning does two thing. First, it helps you recognize those who are much worse off. Second, the consolation you receive following deep sorrow is much greater than the sorrow itself"(YLIC 126). If you have ever lost a loved one or something you love you understand mourning.

Robert Downey Jr. exemplifies this Beatitude greatly as he comforts everyone daily. As seen in the image he comforts a crying child who is mourning about the loss of iron man. He also frequently visits the Make A Wish foundation and comforts parents whose children are suffering. He makes the kids smile which helps the parents be at ease.

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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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Highschool kids can practice this Beatitude in there life by visiting the homeless and comforting them for what they have lost and reassure them that everything will be ok.