Continuing Formation: “The Beatitudes” For the next few months, we will be concentrating on the Beatitudes and how they apply to the Franciscan way of life. The eight beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew 5: 3-10 as quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church are:
Blessed are the
poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Last month we discussed the poor in spirit and the meek, this month, we will concentrate on the seventh Beatitude listed here—“Blessed are the peacemakers” Seventh Beatitude The "peacemakers" (verse 9) are those who not only live in peace with others but moreover do their best to preserve peace and friendship among mankind and between God and man, and to restore it when it has been disturbed. It is on account of this godly work, "an imitating of God's love of man" as St. Gregory of Nyssa styles it, that they shall be called the sons of god, "children of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt., v, 45). http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02371a.htm Taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia Please note the following from our Rule: 17. In their family they should cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity, and respect for life, striving to make of it a sign of a world already renewed in Christ. 19. Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others.
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