Hannah Croy

Mr. Bayardi (Period 7)

CHS Religion IV

16 October 2017

Beatitude

When learning about beatitude and happiness, we studied many quotes from St.

Augustine. As a non-Catholic, I personally don’t believe or follow the rituals regarding praying

to saints. Although, throughout my time at North Catholic, I have come to learn and appreciate

the role that the saints play in Catholics everyday lives. Saints are an example of Christian living.

They are someone who has exalted attributes that the Catholic Church promotes such as chastity,

and dedication to the faith. The saints may be dead; however, Catholics believe that by praying

or worshiping these saint, they will pray to God for them. One statement from St. Augustine

stood out to me regarding beatitude. He said that “we all want to live happily; in the whole

human race there is no one who does not assent to this proposition, even before it is fully

articulated.” There are two parts to his claim: first, every human person seeks happiness;

secondly, people seek happiness before they realize that happiness is what they are looking for.

Every human person seeks happiness. This can be expressed through charity, self-

enrichment, and indulging in unhealthy pleasures or relationships. High school is a prime

example. Some students find happiness in completing courses with an A, while others search for

a relationship. A relationship in high school, I believe, is like no other in society. It is filled with

drama, promises, over-bearing friends, and a struggle to remain faithful to what you believe in.

Teenagers seem to stay in relationships for many reasons, but, St. Augustine made me realize

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that the main factor is happiness. The relationship brings a feeling of joy and even security when

you’re with the other person which is exactly what draws teenagers in. Seeking happiness can

also influence decisions that we make. Whether to donate money or buy something for yourself,

who will receive happiness. Here, I argue many people think they will be happiest if they buy

things that directly affect them. This could not be further from the truth. God directs us to love

thy neighbor; by helping the poor or anyone through charity, not only would the charity be

benefiting from the act, but the donator for they are living in the likeness of God. Happiness will

be rewarded to anyone who lives for and through God.

Everyone is seeking happiness whether they realize it or not. The catch to this is that pure

happiness will not be granted unless God is present in the action. A common stereotype of

woman is that they shop to destress in return making them happy; brightening their mood. Yes,

from personal experience I can attest to the fact that shopping in some fashion does uplift a blue

mood. However, the uplifting is almost always temporary. Shopping does not magically take

away problems, no material will. God is the only one who can relieve stresses and worries.

Catholics believe that this is done via the sacrament of confession. The priest absolves all sins

and can help voice worries to God, in return, the confessor must repent in some type of way. I

believe that if something is weighing heavy on my heart, God will address it. Whether it is a sin I

am sorry for or a constant worry. God’s presence in societies lives is what endows happiness.

The Catechism addresses happiness within beatitude frequently. Beatitude is a supreme

happiness, blessedness, and grace that God has bestowed upon humans. CCC 1719 states that it

is not only the individuals job, but the Church as a whole to seek fulfilment of God’s beatitude. If

a one accepts this promise and strives to live in his faith, they will become a new person. It is an

evident fact that people who attempt to live as Jesus did are on another side of beatitude. For

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example, students and faculty who attended the conference at Franciscan University claimed

they witnessed others fainting in the presence of the Eucharist. Their love for God had taken

them over and their physical body was unable to handle the power of God. I can only imagine

the serenity and blissfulness that the person who experienced God’s presence in such a powerful

way had felt. I believe that all Christians, in some form or fashion, aim to achieve ultimate

beatitude in their lives. My understanding is that Catholics will achieve this goal by maintaining

the sacraments, praying, and being a positive influence in society. Disregarding the reception of

sacraments, I completely agree.

Personally, I am constantly searching for happiness. I try to live through the image and

likeness of God in my daily life which, thanks to St. Augustine, I have realized I need to focus on

that more. I could do this by being more involved in the charity work that North Catholic is

involved in, or any outside organization, going to my church weekly, and being more patient

with people. The ten commandments, which God gave to Christians, are not all about self-

enrichment, but others as well. If I exert more patience I can show love to my neighbors.

Hopefully, one day, I will reach a state of beatitude that God is proud off. My relationship with

God is what is going to fill my life with purpose and content.