A Reflection Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

A Reflection

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Amen.

The Beatitudes Matthew 5: 1-12 ❖ Beatitude can be described as a sharing in the Divine Life which ultimately leads to eternal happiness. ❖ “They, (the Beatitudes) respond to the desire for happiness that God has placed in the human heart.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1725)

The Beatitudes ❖ In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers us a way of life that promises eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. ❖ However, while they provide a way of life that promises salvation, they also provide peace in the midst of our trials and tribulations on this earth. ❖ They contain the essence of spiritual life.

How blessed are the poor in spirit: the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. Before you begin read the following to help your reflection : My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my saviour. He looks on His servant in her lowliness henceforth all ages will call me blessed. (Luke 1: 46-47) No matter how much or how little we possess we are all called to recognise that everything we have comes from God. This is the first Beatitude and it is upon this that all the others are based.

How blessed are the poor in spirit: the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. Some questions to get you thinking:  Who are the poor in spirit?  What does it mean to be poor in spirit?  What does it mean to me?  Does it have any relevance today?  Could I explain it to others?

In your groups  Only discuss the Beatitude which is highlighted on your sheet.  Choose a spokesperson to report back.  Spend a few quiet moments reflecting on ‘your’ Beatitude. Read the words given on the back of your sheet – they may help your reflection.  In the group, discuss what the Beatitude means to you.  Use the questions given on the sheet if you need them to get you started.

Work and pray for the coming of the Kingdom. Throughout your day let work and rest be quickened by the Word of God. Keep inner silence in all things, and you will live in Christ. Be filled with the spirit of the Beatitudes, joy, simplicity and mercy