Rev. Mr. Mark Chrismer

What is a beatitude? “A beatitude is a declaration of blessedness on the ground of some virtue or good fortune.” Fr. John McKenzie, S.J.

“In Hebrew thought, this is much more than a wish or an augury; a blessing has an inherent power, seen very clearly in the story of Jacob and Esau (Gn 27). A blessing declares a fact, much as in the simple statement, “I forgive you.” Fr. Roland Faley

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

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

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

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

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

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

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

8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'

sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."John 20: 28-30

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,1 Peter 3:13:15

There are 7 Beatitudes in the Apocalypse - a number signifying perfection.

1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what it written in it, for the appointed time is near.

14:13 I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.”

16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief.” Blessed is the one who watches and keeps his clothes ready, so that he may not go naked and people see him exposed.

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.Matthew 24:42-44

"But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.Matthew 22:10-12

19:9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These words are true; they come from God.”

20: 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over these; they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for [the] thousand years.

22:7 “Behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.

22:14 Blessed are they who wash their robes so as to have the right to the tree of life and enter the city through its gates.

Lessons:• 1. Read the inspired text of the Apocalypse

• 2. Prepare yourself for the Final Coming of Christ