We live in a fallen world. This reality has become clearer in the last several decades as the secular world has sought to eradicate all traces of God and conquer Christendom. While this larger battle is mostly out of our control, we can take comfort in the fact that we are called to reign in another kingdom and leave the slavery of this world behind.

The best way to throw off the yoke of slavery this world seeks to bind us with is to live out the lessons Our Lord taught us in his Sermon on the Mount, most especially the Beatitudes. Sacred Scripture tells us that Christ “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6-7). He invites us to turn our won worlds upside down as well with the eight life-altering ways of living.

At times, the Beatitudes may seem paradoxical. Why would we want to be poor or meek? Why would we want to mourn? Why would we want to show mercy or be a peacemaker when the world rewards ruthlessness, and pure when it celebrates immorality? Why would we hunger for righteousness when the world has so much else to feed us with? And why would we want to be persecuted?

Yet Christ told us that those who live these ways of life would be blessed. This is what the word beatitude means – “blessed” – which also means “happiness.” If we have the courage to trust in his words and follow him, we will come to know what true happiness really is.

Embark on this 8-session journey with Father Jeffrey Kirby, who will show you the path to the kingdom and give you the strength and wisdom to turn your world upside down.