"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven....

Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God....

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness... sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

(Matthew 5:3-12) 

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous episodes from the Lord's life on earth. It contains beautiful teachings about improving our spiritual lives, now and for eternity. The Sermon begins with the Ten Blessings, which describe states or attitudes that will make us receptive of the happiness which the Lord longs to give us. As with all the Sacred Scriptures, the Blessings have layers of meaning hidden within them. The Heavenly Doctrine for the New Church has been given to help us see beyond some of the seeming contradictions in the Blessings - to understand what it means that we can be blessed in mourning or in being persecuted. They show us what the true blessings are - the inner, spiritual rewards that come from living a truly charitable life. We invite you to explore the Ten Blessings more fully to find Divine direction for your life.  

Highlights for this month include

 POSTER: Ten Blessings (for all ages) (PDF)
A printable poster of the Ten Blessings with a beautiful color border. 

"Blessed Are Those Who Mourn" by the Rev. Peter M. Buss, Jr.
In the process of trying to be a person who is growing spiritually, there will be mourning. We will see things that are not the way they should be - in ourselves and in the world around us. This sermon examines ways in which we can be comforted? 

 The Ten Blessings by Lori Odhner (PDF)
An original song by a New Church artist.

 Blessings Bookmark (ages 10 and up) (PDF)
Print and cut out two bookmarks about the blessings the Lord gives us. 

 "Simplicity" by the Rev. Walter Orthwein
In order for us to receive the Lord's words, we must be simple - simple in the sense of being single-minded, looking to one source of truth, and in having our internal and external thoughts agree. 

 COLORING PAGE: The Lord Teaches the Multitude by Marguerite L. Acton (PDF)
This picture shows the Lord teaching His disciples and the multitude that gathered around them. 

 Ten Blessings Book (ages 6-12) (PDF)
The blessings can be difficult to understand when taken literally, so each page of this book quotes one of the blessings and then paraphrases as one might explain it to children. Suggestions for illustrations are provided, but children should feel free to come up with their own ideas.

"Attitudes for Heavenly Happiness"
Blessedness or happiness is heaven, and the blessings give a summary of the various states or attitudes that can inherit the eternal life of heavenly happiness. 

 Matching Quotes from the Word with the Ten Blessings (ages 12 and up) (PDF)
Look at the Ten Blessings on the left side of the page and various quotes from the Word on the right side, and then draw lines from each quotation to one or more of the blessings that seem to be talking about similar qualities or ways that the Lord rewards us for doing what is good.