[Gophack]

I taught fourth grade Catechism last year and the Beatitudes was one thing the students were required to learn.

Reading them is a blessing in and of itself, as with each reading I examine my life and see where I fall short. Knowing that God has set out rewards for those who suffer soothes my soul, yet I wonder most of us here in America know what suffering is. I've had problems in my life, have lost loved ones, and have failed to live up to my Christian obligations over and over; knowing that God has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation eases my heart because knowing God will forgive me helps me forgive myself, and others.

But it is the last Beatitude that really hits home. I think of Father Elijah and other Christians in countries that persecute Christians, and while I fear for their safety, I know deep down that God has a special place in the kingdom of Heaven for defenders of the faith in the most mortal sense. These are people taking the Word to all nations, and often being killed because of it! May God bless them and protect them!

I often wonder if I could be so strong in my faith and spirit that I would willingly die a painful death to stand up for the Jesus Christ. I don't know. It bothers me that I don't know. In America we are fat and secure, even those without a lot of wealth. Are we meek? Humble? Poor in spirit? Are we truly merciful? Am I merciful?

I know that I am prideful, that I hold grudges even when I try to forget past wrongs, and I secretly enjoy the fall of bad people, or people who have wronged me or my family. These are things I regularly need to confess and pray on because they don't go away.

The beatitudes are the best examination of conscience, and how have we in our lives attempted to live up to them.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but this was an incredibly thought-provoking post.

[Desdemona]

Hear, hear.

Every time the Beatitudes come up, I keep wondering how it really applies to me/us. I don't suffer much other than denegration of my beliefs and ridicule as to my being a church nerd. Of late, I've wondered about the deliberate attempts to kind of conform to the "victim status" outlined here. Is it right and just to be that way?

"Blessed are the cheesemakers..." Sorry couldn't help myself.

[Salvation]

But it is the last Beatitude that really hits home. I think of Father Elijah and other Christians in countries that persecute Christians, and while I fear for their safety, I know deep down that God has a special place in the kingdom of Heaven for defenders of the faith in the most mortal sense. These are people taking the Word to all nations, and often being killed because of it! May God bless them and protect them!

What about the good priests in America, who for so long, took for granted the freedoms we enjoy in America -- especially the freedom of speech. They are ambushed now on the street by people whom they do not even know. It is very painful for them because they are suffering verbal and monetary (for their parishes) persecution for justice's sake.

God bless each and every one of these righteous priests who are seeking to serve us with a true heart full of love and devotion for Jesus Christ, our Savior.

[ladyinred]

Wonderful ,thoughtful post. We all should reflect on the Beatitudes more often, for in them is centered the Christian life we are to lead.

Poised woman, I agree, Freepers are not often merciful, and I am sometimes guilty of that myself, especially on the politics threads. It is funny as that is the one verse in the group that I repeat to myself most often.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.