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July 1, 2018

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living the beatitudes

"PEER INTO THE DEPTHS"

The Gospel invites us to peer into the depths of our heart, to see where we find our security in life. (67)

"NO ROOM"

Wealth insures nothing. Indeed, once we think we are rich, we can become so self-satisfied that we leave no room for God's word, for the love of our brothers and sisters, or for the enjoyment of the most important things in life... We miss out on the greatest treasure of all. That is why Jesus calls blessed those who are poor in spirit, those who have a poor heart, for there the Lord can enter with His perennial newness. (68)

"USELESS COMPLAINING"

If we are constantly upset and impatient with others, we will end up drained and weary. But if we regard the faults and limitations of others with tenderness and meekness, without an air of superiority, we can actually help them and stop wasting our time on useless complaining. (72)

TRUE HAPPINESS

A person who sees things as they truly are and sympathizes with pain and sorrow is capable of touching life's depths and finding authentic happiness. (76)

TRUE JUSTICE

True justice comes about in people's lives when they themselves are just in their decisions; it is expressed in their pursuit of justice for the poor and the weak. (79)

MERCY IS ...

Mercy ... involves giving, helping and serving others, but it also includes forgiveness and understanding. (80)

"A PURE HEART"

A heart that loves God and neighbor ... genuinely and not merely in words is a pure heart; it can see God. (86)

PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP

Peacemakers truly "make" peace; they build peace and friendship in society. To those who sow peace, Jesus makes this magnificent promise: "They will be called children of God" ... (88)

"ARTISANS OF PEACE"

We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skill. (89)

"AGAINST THE FLOW"

Jesus Himself warns us that the path He proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and as a result, becoming a nuisance. He reminds us how many people have been, and still are, persecuted simply because they struggle for justice, because they take seriously their commitment to God and others. Unless we wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, let us not long for an easy life, for "whoever would save his life will lose it" (Mt 16:25). (90)

(Source: Apostolic exhortation, Guadete et exsultate, March 19, 2018)