1. The Beatitudes
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them... THE BEATITUDES !
Can you see any parallels between what Moses giving the 10C’s and Jesus giving the Beatitudes, in these 2 situations ?

2. The Beatitudes To explain the key terms in the Beatitudes
To contrast the Beatitudes with the 10 Commandments
To evaluate the difference between the Beatitudes and other kinds of happiness

3. WHAT ARE THE 8 BEATITUDES?
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4. You live in peace and try to bring others together in peace
You keep clean from sin, selfish thoughts and actions
You are forgiving and generous to others, even if they don’t deserve it.
You stay faithful to Jesus , and his teachings, even if that means suffering
You desire for justice & right to be done in the world
You are humble and gentle: do not fight for your own advantage. Let others have their way.
You feel sorry for all the sin that is done, and the good that is lost.
you feel like you are poor, and need God to help you in all things
1. Match the meaning of each Beatitude with one from the left
2. How are these Beatitudes different from Moses’ 10 Commandments?
How is the beatitude to be a peacemaker different from the Commandment “do not kill”?
Is it fair to have to be meek or merciful? Explain why.
Is it fair to be asked to feel bad for evil in the world? Explain why.
**So are the Beatitudes like the rules of the 10C’s or more demanding than that? How?

5. The Beatitudes are
Attitudes : they tell you what you should BE like, rather than what you should DO. You have to be willing to put yourself last, and put up with others. You have to be more generous than it is fair to be.
But the Beatitudes are also Blessings : They all begin “Blessed are the… “ This is because in return for your generosity, and putting yourself last, you are given the happiness of being close to God and having the Kingdom of Heaven within you – that nothing can take away.
Explain 2 important things about the Beatitudes.
Would you be willing to follow the Beatitudes? which ones? Why?

6. According to Aquinas, Jesus on the cross is the most blessed one.
St Thomas Aquinas said: “If you want to be fully happy and free, hate what Jesus hated on the cross, and love what Jesus loved on the cross.”
On the cross, Jesus has rid himself of the 4 things that we typically seek to make us happy: wealth, power, pleasure and honour. Instead, he has the fullness of the Beatitudes:
According to Aquinas, Jesus on the cross is the most blessed one.
Explain how different the beatitudes are to things people normally think make them happy.
Do you think that following Jesus’ teaching and example really could be a better way to deep and lasting happiness?
poor in spirit – Jesus has no power of his own. He is completely in the hands of others, and depends on God’s plan for him.
mourn – Jesus grieves over the sin that has nailed him to the cross meek – kind & gentle towards his crucifiers hunger and thirst for righteousness – he prays his suffering will make God’s kingdom known merciful – forgiving and kind to sinners pure in heart – sinless in the face of evil peacemaker – no vengeance, but prays for them
persecuted for righteousness' sake – crucified for his goodness, truthfulness and holiness.

7. Beatitudes Grieve over wrong-doing and evil that is done
Depend on God for everything. Live a simple and obedient life.
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 will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Grieve over wrong-doing and evil that is done
Humble/ gentle: don’t fight for their own advantage
Hope for justice/ fairness in the world, for people to live rightly
Kind, forgiving and generous
Clean from sin, in thoughts and actions
Living peacefully and promoting peace, to bring people together
Faithful to Jesus even if that means suffering