The Eight Beatitudes
The pursuit of the wisdom of God and the virtue of Humility is imperative to Christian discipleship. Poor in spirit have three qualities in common: trust in God to provide for our needs; to be detached from wealth or honor; and love God more than wealth or honor.
Those who mourn and live through suffering have a unique opportunity to grow closer to Christ. Sin leaves the deepest wounds man can hold and mourning them then becomes the grace of those who pursue this beatitude. Br. Angelo expounds upon how the Spirit’s gift of Knowledge and the virtue of perseverance builds the blessedness of those who mourn.
Some of the greatest disciples of Jesus pursued meekness with unrelenting strife. Br. Angelo teaches how those who pursuit meekness are those who win Heaven; if one pursues the Spirit’s gift of Understanding and the virtue of Patience.
Those who seek to be sinless are those who pursue Righteousness. Br. Angelo explains the difference between inner and outer righteousness, and how the Spirit’s gift of Fortitude and the virtue of Courage builds a true Christian disciple.
Radical forgiveness is one of the most countercultural and most powerful commandments of Jesus Christ; it tries the soul and tests salvation. Br. Angelo expounds upon how the Spirit’s gift of Counsel and the very virtue of Mercy are imperative tools for the making of a saint.
What is the purpose of man? What does it mean to be ‘pure in heart’? Br. Angelo speaks about how being pure in heart means more than just avoiding sin, but is an art of living one’s life genuinely, in detachment, and in love.
Fighting for peace in a peaceless world is the vocation of all Christians. We are meant to have Christ’s peace, and give it to all we meet as a free gift of love. Br. Angelo teaches how justice is pursued in virtue and is only truly achieved in the grace of the Holy Spirit.
By far the most paradoxical of the Beatitudes, Br. Angelo teaches how and why a Christian disciple is blessed by being persecuted for righteousness’ sake and for the sake of Christ. The Spirit’s gift of Fear of the Lord and the virtue of Final Perseverance is inseparable with those who undergo the trial of this extraordinary teaching of Jesus Christ.
