Happiness and the beatitudes
The Beatitudes portray the happiness promised by Christ and the character of life in his kingdom. They do not praise misery for its own sake. Poverty of spirit, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and fidelity under persecution direct desire toward communion with God. This vision challenges forms of success measured only by comfort, power, or admiration.
Follow the sources
An original library introduction, with sources for further study. This is a starting point rather than a complete treatment or a finished formation lesson.