Prologue:
(All online events require a parent and/or sponsors participation)
Believe it or not, God wants us to be happy and fulfilled. Plain and simple. As a confirmed disciple, the sooner we begin to accept this fact the sooner we can begin to experience it. This does not mean that we won’t experience hardship throughout our earthly life. It simply means that the joy we receive from God will over shadow any cross we may have to carry:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” -Matthew 16:25-26
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” -Matthew 11:28-30
You see… our joy and fulfillment in this life (and the next) come from giving our life away for the sake of others. Like Jesus, we are called to love and serve our neighbor first, before thinking of ourself. Our hearts were made to experience fulfillment through carrying a cross for another. We were programed to experience great joy when serving those around us (especially those in great need).
Jesus lived this way in His own life each and every day. Just read the gospels! In fact, Jesus even gave us the recipe for this way of life. It is called the Beatitudes:
“When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: ‘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.'” -Matthew 5:1-12
The beatitudes are radical teachings about selflessness. If we follow them, we will find ourselves become less concerned with material things that can never satisfy us, and more concerned with finding joy and fulfillment in loving and serving the people around us.
Let’s get started!
To continue watch the following video this month:
Next click on the following links and read from the Bible and Catechism about Christ’s teachings on the necessity of service for evangelization:
Catechism Reading (CLICK HERE) Vatican Website
Matthew 25:31-46 (CLICK HERE) USCCB Website
You will need to access the links above to answer some of the detailed response sections in the form below.
If you would like to learn even more about the Corporal and Spiritual Works, and their scriptural references, print up and read this document: CLICK HERE
The time frame allowed to complete this online event has expired. You will need to look for a make opportunity if you would like to get credit for an additional Journey event.