Introduction to Moral Living:

The Beatitudes of Matthew

By Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart

Purpose

In this session, participants explore the words of the Beatitudes from Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount,” and the human and theological virtues, as an introduction to morality. This session is designed for 16–32 high school aged teens.

Session at a Glance

7:00 p.m.Welcome andOverview

7:10 p.m.Exploring One of the Beatitudes

7:30 p.m.Small Group Sharing

Extend the Session: Beatitudes and Virtues (add 15-20 minutes)

8:10 p.m.Closing Prayer

8:20 p.m.Announcements and Refreshments

8:30 p.m.Good Night!

Extend the Session: Beatitudes and Virtues(15-20 minutes)

The stories used in this session, and their connections to the beatitudes and virtues, are based on chapters in the book, Better than Natural and Other Stories by Lisa Calderone-Stewart and Ed Kunzman. It’s published by Saint Mary’s Press.

If you have more time, have each small group use the entire chapter of that book. Each chapter has a longer version of the story, a fuller explanation, and more extensive discussion questions.

Materials Needed

  • Prayer table: Bible on a cloth, with a candle
  • Index cards or quarter-sheets of paper with one of the eight phrases from the Beatitudes – one per participant (See #1 in Prepare in Advance below)
  • Handout 1, Blessed are the poor in spirit, one for each person in small group
  • Handout 2, Blessed are those who mourn,one for each person in small group
  • Handout 3, Blessed are the meek,one for each person in small group
  • Handout 4, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, one for each person in small group
  • Handout 5, Blessed are the merciful, one for each person in small group
  • Handout 6, Blessed are the pure in heart,one for each person in small group
  • Handout 7, Blessed are the peacemakers,one for each person in small group
  • Handout 8, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, one for each person in small group
  • Resource 1, Small Group Process, eight copies, one for each small group adult leader
  • “We are the Light of the World” by Jean Anthony Grief (Spirit & Song, OCP)
  • CD player (or musician)
  • Pens and/or pencils for each small group

Prepare in Advance

  1. Create an index card or quarter piece of paper for every participant. On each one, write or print one of the following seven words/phrases: (1) poor in spirit, (2) mourn, (3) meek, (4) hunger and thirst for righteousness, (5) merciful, (6) pure in heart, (7) peacemakers, (8) persecuted for righteousness. These will be used to divide the participants into eight small groups.
  1. Set up a prayer focus. Cover a small table with a cloth. On the table, place a Bible opened to Matthew 5:1-12.
  1. Set up tables for refreshments and sign-in. Have one or two people at the sign-in table with a check-in sheet and name tags. Hospitality is important: As the leader, do not use the gathering time before the session begins to take care of last minute preparations Spend the time moving among the participants, greeting and speaking with them.

Session Outline

Welcome and Overview(10 minutes)

Welcome the participants as they arrive. Distribute the index cards to the participants, and ask them to talk to each other about what they know about their words/phrases.

Once everyone has arrived, introduce yourself, and the other adult leaders. Ask the group for their comments, guesses, and shared knowledge regarding their conversations about the words and phrases on their cards.

Affirm any reasonable comments and guesses. Fill them in on any of the following information they might not have known:

The phrases come from the section of Matthew’s gospel called the “Sermon on the mount.” In chapters 5-7, Jesus teaches his followers on a mountain. The very first thing he teaches them are these eight statements about how people are “blessed.” For example, Blessed are the pure in heart… for they shall see God. We call these eight phrases, “The Beatitudes,” because beatitudo means happy or happiness in Latin.

Each of these beatitudes is paired with a virtue, such as hope or justice. Virtues help us live in a moral, ethical manner. They help us live the way Jesus taught us to live. Each group will look at a story about a teenager struggling with a particular virtue and a particular beatitude. At the end of the small group time, each small group will do a very short presentation for the other groups, so all of us have a more complete idea about the eight beatitudes.

Invite the participants to find their proper small groups, by pairing up with the other youth who have the same words/phrases on their cards.

Exploring One of the Beatitudes(20 minutes)

Give one handout to each small group (one group will use Handout 1, another Handout 2, and so on). Give Resource 1, Small Group Process, to each small group adult leader. Ask the adults in each small group to conduct the process following the resource sheet.

Small Group Sharing (40 minutes)

After 15 minutes, gather the participants together. Tell everyone that each small group has about 4½ minutes to present their group’s summary on a beatitude to the rest of the group.

Invite the small groups to give their beatitude summary, in this order:

Handout 4. Explain that this is the beatitude that introduces us to the formation of our moral conscience.

Handouts 6, 7, 8, and 1. Explain that these are the beatitudes that introduce us to the human virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

Handouts 3, 2, and 5.Explain that these are the beatitudes that introduce us to the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.

Closing Prayer (10 minutes)

Gather

Invite the small groups to sit together in the prayer space. Invite a young person to light the candle on the prayer table.

Prayer Leader: (begin with the Sign of the Cross)

O God, as we light the prayer candle, we are reminded that your Son, Jesus, is the light of the world. Help us live Christian virtues by living in the light of Jesus. As we live in the light, we help dispel the darkness of sin in the world. We ask you to help us be beatitude people. In your name we pray. Amen.

Listen

Invite the participants to proclaim Matthew 5:3-10 by asking the reader from each small group to stand and read the beatitude from their small group, in numerical order, from Handouts 1 to 8. After they are finished, end the reading with this last verse (from Matthew 5:12): Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Respond

Prayer Leader:

Our response to this reading of the Beatitudes is by simple sharing in small groups. Name a virtue from another group that made an impact on you. What did you hear that made you take notice and pay attention to your own life? Your response need only be the one word of that virtue (such as hope or justice).

Go Forth

Conclude with a spontaneous prayer and an invitation to sing “We are the Light of the World” or another song based on the Beatitudes.

Announcements and Refreshments (10 minutes)

Give any announcements you might have regarding upcoming programs or activities. Invite the participants to have something to eat and drink before they leave.

This session was written by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart, Youth Leadership Director at The House of Peace, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Handout 1

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 5:3 (NRSV)Virtue: Temperance

Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods (CCC, #1809)

Lydia’s story

I was so excited to visit my boyfriend Kirk at college. I hadn’t seen him in two months, even though it’s only a short bus ride away.

When he kissed me hello, I could smell his cigarettes… which I thought was weird, since he wasn’t a smoker in high school. And worse, he had become a chain smoker. Then at the football game, he and his friends smuggled beer under their jackets. They were completely drunk by half-time. I pretended to be sick so I wouldn’t have to go to the dance with him and his friends.

It’s as if they don’t know when to stop. It really made me lose my spirit. I became so depressed. I was relieved to get away. I thought I wanted to apply to that college and hang out with him until he graduated… but my plans have changed. I really see him for what he is. If he plans to keep smoking, drinking and sleeping his way through school, he’ll flunk out before the end of the year. I didn’t officially break up with him, because I snuck out and took an early bus home. But I never want to go out with him again.

Think about this:

Did Kirk have temperance? Was he able to be moderate in his behavior? Or did he have no way of stopping? Those who cannot celebrate “in moderation” often end up being addicted to tobacco, or to alcohol, or to other drugs.

How did Lydia lose her spirit? How can the experience of “losing your spirit” open your eyes to an important reality and lead you to a breakthrough?

Spokespersons for Group Summary

  • Read the beatitude: ______
  • Explain the virtue: ______
  • Tell the story: ______
  • Explain how the story reflects this beatitude and virtue: ______

Handout 2

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted

Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)Virtue: Hope

Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises. (CCC,#1817)

Trevor’s story

I was so angry when my parents told me that my grandparents were going to have to move in with us. They were getting too old to take care of themselves. I knew that meant I’d lose my bedroom, and have to move in with my younger brother Willie. I would hate that. He would constantly be in my stuff, and I would have no privacy!

Good thing I didn’t say that out loud! Instead, my mom talked about how upset my grandparents would be! I had never even thought of their feelings. Mom said they’d be so depressed at first, having to give up their home, and move out of their neighborhood. They’d have to go from an entire house to one room. But she already knew how to cheer them up! She would find room in the basement for Grandpa’s easel and paints, and room in the back yard for Grandma’s garden. And she said that they would probably spend lots of time with Willie, so they would keep him out of my stuff.

The way Mom talked, it sounded kind of hopeful. Many of my friends don’t even have grandparents anymore. So in a way, I’m lucky. I don’t know how much longer they will be alive, but maybe having us around will help them get through the sadness of growing old and forgetful, and losing so much from the way they used to live.

Think about this

Trevor’s first response was to think of his own room and what he would be losing. Do you think that was selfish? Why or why not? Trevor’s grandparents would probably also first think of all they would be losing. Any kind of loss leads to mourning. We become sad if we lose someone to death, to divorce, or to a move. We can mourn the loss of things – like a home, a neighborhood, or our former way of life. Do you think it’s

selfish to mourn things? Why or why not?

How was Trevor’s mother hopeful?Was she out of touch? Or just looking for ways to be positive? Trevor knew he’d still miss his privacy, but he was trying to see things might work out. What’s the difference between being hopeful and being out of touch? Can hope be contagious? How might his attitude affect his grandparents’ attitude?

Spokespersons for Group Summary

  • Read the beatitude: ______
  • Explain the virtue: ______
  • Tell the story: ______
  • Explain how the story reflects this beatitude and virtue: ______

Handout 3

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth

Matthew 5:5 (NRSV)Virtue: Faith

Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God. (CCC,#1814)

Joy’s story

I can’t believe I’m a double loser today! First, the guy I asked to the dance said no, even after all the hints I thought he was giving me that he was interested. And then, I didn’t get the part in the play I tried out for, even though I am much better than the girl they cast! Life is so unfair! God is so unfair! If there is a God… I just don’t know anymore!

Well, Sally got turned down by the guy she asked to the dance, too. I hate these “Girl’s Choice” dances. It was so hard to ask a guy. I’m just so shy and meek. I’ll never do it again. I think we’ll just go to the movies that night and have a sleep over. Sally also said she’d join the stage crew to keep me company. What a great friend. I guess there is a God. Maybe. My mom says someday I’ll go to a dance, and someday I’ll be in a play. After all, I’m only a freshman. Maybe she’s right. Why she has faith in me… I just don’t know. But if she has some faith, maybe I should have some, too.

Think about this

Do you think Joy is a complete loser? Or do you think she just had a really bad day? It’s very hard for a shy and meek girl to try out for a play or to ask a guy to a dance. Do you think things might ever work out for her? What do you think she might learn from this day… after she has had some time to get over the double disappointment?

Joy’s faith is being tested. She’s has doubts about herself— and even about God. When you feel meek and have doubts, does that mean you have no faith? What do you think helps us believe in ourselves? What do you think helps us believe in God?

Spokespersons for Group Summary

  • Read the beatitude: ______
  • Explain the virtue: ______
  • Tell the story: ______
  • Explain how the story reflects this beatitude and virtue: ______

Handout 4

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled

Matthew 5:6 (NRSV)Virtue: Formation of Conscience

Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act. (CCC,#1778)

Sarah’s story

I didn’t study enough for my Spanish test. Then Sam offered me the answer key he found in the computer lab. Obviously, our teacher left it there by mistake. I had it in my hand, but then I gave it back. I didn’t want to be a cheater.

Sam said it wasn’t fair that kids like Molly are naturally smart and don’t have to study so hard. I told him it wasn’t fair that Molly isn’t athletic, and on the volleyball team. Sam asked me, “So you’re going to get a bad grade because Molly can’t play volleyball?” I told him no. I’m going to get a bad grade because I didn’t study enough.

I shouldn’t cheat in Spanish, and Molly shouldn’t cheat in volleyball. Hmm… last year, maybe I would have taken that page and cheated on the test to get a better grade… but this year, it seems maybe I’m growing up… maybe I’m beginning to care about what’s right… maybe I’m forming a conscience.

Think about this

Is cheating common at your school? Do you think most teens would have acted like Sarah or like Sam? Do you think most teens care about forming their conscience? Why or why not? What might make more teens care about doing the right thing?

Sarah is just beginning to understand that growing up means taking responsibility and doing the right thing. Eventually, she will become the kind of person who will choose righteousness even when no one is looking. Do you think that is an important part of growing up? Do you think most adults care about doing the right thing? What do you think might make it more common among adults? How is honesty treated in TV and movies? In real life, do you think people tend to lie and cheat more often or less often than they do in TV and movies? Why do you think so?

Spokespersons for Group Summary

  • Read the beatitude: ______
  • Explain the virtue: ______
  • Tell the story: ______
  • Explain how the story reflects this beatitude and virtue: ______

Handout 5

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy

Matthew 5:7 (NRSV)Virtue: Love (sometimes called charity)

Jesus makes charity the new commandment. (CCC, #1823)

Jared’s story

I was a jerk. My cousin was beaten up in the locker room, and I didn’t even try to defend him. All they guys on the team called him gay. I didn’t want to get involved. I didn’t want them saying it about me.

Now Vince has a black eye. It was partially my fault for walking away. Finally, I felt so terrible, I called him up. I didn’t apologize. I don’t know if I can talk about it yet. But I did ask him if he wanted to go to the movies with me. He said OK. I feel so bad about this. I know it’s not over. We might even see some of the same guys at the movies. And they’ll see me with my cousin. But I don’t know what else to do. He’s part of my family, and you don’t stop loving family no matter what.