Blessed are the poor in spirit,

            for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;

To be poor in spirit, for me, is to be filled with humility. The virtue at odds with being full of pride. When we live in humility, we are able to accept that we are not God, although we are created in His image and shine His Light.  We then, do not act in a way which would diminish the Joy of our Lord and in turn are filled with His joy.  

Blessed are they who mourn,
            for they will be comforted.

Mourning is grief. Grief is never premiant for one with faith in our Lord. We know without a doubt that death does not have the final say. There is great joy in knowing that our loved ones have just stepped into the other room and one day, we will also. 

Blessed are the meek,
            for they will inherit the land.

To be meek, is not to be weak, but strong in the virtue of love for neighbor. When love of the other is lived, there is peace in the land. Thus, we work together with others and are not filled with a desire to overtake for selfish ambition. If we quell selfish ambition, there is joy shared with all in society.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
            for they will be satisfied.

What is this hunger? It is the hunger for our Lord. Our Lord is all that can satisfy the soul. If we truly hunger for righteousness, we stay on His path and follow Him intently, this leads to joy. His joy! Everlasting joy.

Blessed are the merciful,
            for they will be shown mercy.

It is mercy which is the driving force of  the pure form of happiness. No one who has ever been shown mercy, was ever enraged. Rather, they are relived and are at peace. Peace and Joy are sisters who go hand in hand

Blessed are the clean of heart,
            for they will see God.

A clean heart, is also a clean conscious, clear sight, clean hands and  nothing “unclean” can see God. When one can see Him, He can not be unseen and thus, joy can not e taken away. We then strive to stay clean. 

Blessed are the peacemakers,
            for they will be called children of God.

What great joy we obtain by being called children of God! The greatest joy obtainable. 

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
            for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We are called by our Lord to follow Him. How persecuted to death He was. So we should also and be filled with JOY as we follow Him to the resurrection!