Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Friday 29 March |
Good Friday
Aleteia logo
Spirituality
separateurCreated with Sketch.

3-point Mass prep: 8 Tips to be happy

WEB2-JOY-WOMAN-SHUTTERSTOCK-shutterstock_569345803.jpg

Shutterstock I mimagephotography

Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik - published on 01/28/23

Since God himself lived this way on earth, it means that this is the best way.

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 5: 1-12a

1. A word of introduction

Everyone longs for happiness. Jesus in today’s Gospel gives eight tips on how to be happy. This is a reliable “instruction manual” for life. These words of Jesus are often considered to be the Constitution of Christians.

2. Key Words

Blessed

The Greek word “makarioi” is often translated as “blessed,” but it literally means “happy.”  Let’s read again one of the most important texts of the Bible:

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

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.

St. John Paul II called Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati “a man of blessings.”  Pier Giorgio was a cheerful, smiling, sporty young man who loved the mountains and used to say that one should live and not vegetate (vivere non vivacchiare). The eight blessings the Lord has given us tell us how to live life to the fullest and not just vegetate from day to day. 

3.Today

Jesus was the first to live the beatitudes. We see it in the Gospel. Since God himself lived this way on earth, it means that this is the best way.

If we want to follow Jesus in everyday life, it is worth asking before making daily decisions: What would Jesus do in my situation?

Tags:
BibleHoly LandMass
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.