Welcome to the first episode of our brand new podcast on the Beatitudes. In this podcast, we will unpack what it means to be Christian Disciples in Mission who are Living Beyond Sunday through the Beatitudes.

Saint Paul says that what truly counts is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6). May Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes keep us close to him in the service, love, and compassion of all God’s people. Let us continue to seek growth in our knowledge and understanding of the Beatitudes and the great gift they are to all people of faith.

In this episode, Dr. John Konicek, our Director of Parish Spirituality & Adult Formation, breaks open the first Beatitude; "Blessed are the poor in spirit."

Join Dr. John Konicek as we dive further into the second Beatitude where Jesus declares: "Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted." These words echo the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 61. In this passage, Isaiah announces that God has sent him to comfort all who mourn. Each of us must ask ourselves how God is requesting us to do the same. The same spirit of God that was upon Isaiah is upon you. To whom is God asking you to bring God's comfort?

Resources for further reflection:

GAUDETE ET EXULTATE: Apostolic Exhortation of the Holy Father Francis

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html

John Dear, The Beatitudes of Peace – Meditations on the Beatitudes, Peacemaking and the Spiritual Life

Max Oliva, S.J., Beatitudes for the Workplace

Practicing the Beatitudes: Inspiration and Professional Growth, Twenty-Third Publications

Lucas Chan, The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes: Biblical Studies and Ethics for Real Life.

Join Dr. John Konicek as we dive further into the third Beatitude where Jesus declares: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land." Together, let's all learn more about what this upside down announcement means.

Resources for further reflection:

GAUDETE ET EXULTATE: Apostolic Exhortation of the Holy Father Francis

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html

John Dear, The Beatitudes of Peace – Meditations on the Beatitudes, Peacemaking and the Spiritual Life

Max Oliva, S.J., Beatitudes for the Workplace

Practicing the Beatitudes: Inspiration and Professional Growth, Twenty-Third Publications

Lucas Chan, The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes: Biblical Studies and Ethics for Real Life.