The Way to True Happiness
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You teach us the way to happiness.
Open our hearts to Your words.
Help us desire what leads to heaven.
Amen.
Part One
What Makes Us Happy?
Everyone wants to be happy.
We may think happiness comes from:
Success.
Popularity.
Comfort.
Having what we want.
But Jesus teaches something surprising.
In the Sermon on the Mount, He says:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The word “blessed” means deeply happy.
The Beatitudes show us
what true happiness looks like
in God’s eyes.
They turn the world’s ideas upside down.
Scripture
“Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3)
Think and Discuss
What do people usually think makes them happy?
Why do you think Jesus calls the “poor in spirit” blessed?
Can someone be happy even when life is difficult?
What kind of happiness lasts?
Allow thoughtful answers.
Part Two
The Eight Beatitudes
Jesus teaches:
Blessed are the poor in spirit —
those who know they need God.
Blessed are the meek —
those who are gentle and humble.
Blessed are they that mourn —
those who are sorry for sin and suffering.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for justice —
those who desire what is right.
Blessed are the merciful —
those who forgive.
Blessed are the clean of heart —
those whose intentions are pure.
Blessed are the peacemakers —
those who bring reconciliation.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake —
those who remain faithful even when it is hard.
These do not sound like easy paths.
But they lead to heaven.
Guidance for Adults
Explain that the Beatitudes describe the character of Christ Himself.
They are not separate from the Commandments, but deepen them.
Part Three
A Different Kind of Strength
The Beatitudes show us
that holiness is not loud or proud.
It is humble.
Merciful.
Patient.
Faithful.
The world may praise power and success.
Jesus praises mercy and purity of heart.
The Beatitudes teach us:
Depend on God.
Forgive quickly.
Seek justice.
Remain faithful in difficulty.
This is not weakness.
It is spiritual strength.
True happiness does not come
from always getting our way.
It comes from living close to God.
The Beatitudes describe
the heart of a saint.
They show us the path
to lasting joy.
Quiet Reflection
Sit quietly for a moment.
Which Beatitude seems hardest for you?
Now say quietly:
“Lord, shape my heart.”
Remain in silence together.
Practise This Week
Choose one:
• Practise mercy by forgiving someone.
• Bring peace in a small conflict.
• Ask God to purify your intentions.
• Help someone who is struggling.
Choose one and keep it steady.
Optional Response
Choose one:
Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Blessed are the merciful.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.
Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“Make me merciful.”
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Teach us the way of the Beatitudes.
Help us seek true happiness in You.
Form our hearts to reflect
Your mercy and strength.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 