Fall 2007: The Beatitudes

?All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.?

--Blaise Pascal, Pensées #425.

If we grant Pascal?s point (and I think we Americans, committed as we are to ?life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, should), we would do well to ask, ?What is happiness?  Where is it to be found?  What might a happy life look like?? 

In our Wednesday study and discussion this Fall, Caritas Fellowship will be considering Jesus Christ?s surprising answer to those questions in the first portion of the Sermon on the Mount, commonly called ?the Beatitudes?:

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.  And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

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

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

?Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

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

?Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

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

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

?Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.?

(Mt 5.1-10)

Join us each Wednesday, noon, at the Wickliffe House.  Lunch is provided.

 

 

 
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Discussion Notes