Complete with prayers, reflections, and practical advice, this book will become your companion for simply living these words from Jesus in Matthew's Gospel"--Page 2 of cover.

In Living the Beatitudes, you are invited to drink from the fountain of holiness and re-discover the mystery of Grace and the peace of living life in the Spirit. The beatitudes are a path that is right in front of us if only we would move from our fears and allow the spirit to guide us. Best-selling author J. Brian Bransfield helps you re-invigorate your spirituality by offering a life-giving practice and understanding of the Catholic faith.

The newest title in the Discipleship Series of compact small-group resources "for people with busy lives but open hearts." Features 6 engaging sessions that reflect on the Beatitudes, drawing on Scripture and the Catechism and illustrated through brief stories of people touched by grace: Blessed Solanus Casey, St. Gemma Galgani, Blessed Padre Pro, a Death Row inmate, a saintly young boy with Down syndrome, and St. Teresa of Calcutta. Includes prayer and discussion questions integral to growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Drawing on stories from the lives of the saints, scripture, and everyday life, Jim Forest opens up the mysteries of the Beatitudes. These ancient blessings, with which Christ began his Sermon on the Mount, are all aspects of communion with God. As Forest shows, they are like rungs on a ladder, each one leading to the next. They appear at the doorway of the New Testament to provide an easily memorized summary of everything that follows, right down to the crucifixion ("Blessed are you who are persecuted") and the resurrection ("Rejoice and be glad").

The Beatitudes are our pattern for living. They are radical. From the first, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," to the last, "Blessed are those who are persecuted," each runs counter to our culture. The world praises pride, not humility. The first four shape our character, the last four shape our actions. You'll find no better guide for your life.

Simple Living is not only a philosophy but the story of the life of Native American and Franciscan Sister, Jose Hobday. Jose sees Simple Living as a way of life--an inner stance, an attitude, a disposition. It is a discernment about emphasis in one's life. It is not just about material possessions, but about freedom.