Você está na página 1de 3

Liam Gibbs

Bayardi

Honors Religion IV

10-14-17

Reflection Paper

Throughout the first weeks I have been in class taking notes and analyzing the articles

and catechisms. When I sat down to write this essay I tried to think about the things that stood

out to me. The two things I felt I connected with were the beatitudes and the short story Where

Love is There is also God. These stuck out to me because I felt like they could be applied to my

life.

First, the beatitudes are important to me. I believe it is a message that from God showing

us what he looks for in a human and what he expects from us. In Matthew 5:1-12 the following is

said “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who

mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed

are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the

merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see

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

are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you

when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of

me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they

persecuted the prophets who were before you”. I believe that the beatitudes have a central theme.

The theme is that everyone in their life will struggle and have bad experiences. However those
that turn to God and live according to his will shall be fulfilled in his kingdom in eternal life. The

one line in that quote that resonates with me is “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see

God”. This line made me realize we need to be true to our core human dynamics. At our core we

are innocent, and pure of evil. Therefore, those who stay pure of the everyday evils shall see God

and look him in the eye and be proud of life on earth and I want that to be my mission. I want to

be proud of my life on earth and that is why I really enjoyed the beatitudes and specifically that

quote.

During the weeks of this class I read the story Where Love is there is also God and I immediately

was drawn to the story. It is about a man who lost everything and was struggling with his life and

he blamed God for his troubles. I can relate to this because in the recent years I have gone

through hard times with a death and a near death of one of my parents. I was upset and I blamed

God and turned away from him. However, I came back and this story was a perfect example of

how I felt at some points. Here is one party from the story that connected with me. “One day an

old man from Martin's native village who had been a pilgrim for the last eight years, called in on

his way from Tróitsa Monastery. Martin opened his heart to him, and told him of his sorrow. 'I

no longer even wish to live, holy man,' he said. 'All I ask of God is that I soon may die. I am now

quite without hope in the world.' The old man replied: 'You have no right to say such things,

Martin. We cannot judge God's ways. Not our reasoning, but God's will, decides. If God willed

that your son should die and you should live, it must be best so. As to your despair -- that comes

because you wish to live for your own happiness.' 'What else should one live for?' asked Martin.

'For God, Martin,' said the old man. 'He gives you life, and you must live for Him. When you

have learnt to live for Him, you will grieve no more, and all will seem easy to you.' Martin was

silent awhile, and then asked: 'But how is one to live for God?' The old man answered: 'How one
may live for God has been shown us by Christ. Can you read? Then buy the Gospels, and read

them: there you will see how God would have you live. You have it all there.' These words sank

deep into Martin's heart, and that same day he went and bought himself a Testament in large

print, and began to read.” (Tolstoy). This book really connected with me and helped me see no

matter what life throws at me it is God’s will and he has a plan for me and every single person.

This helped me learn to trust God in my life.

Overall, what I learned so far in this class has strengthened my faith and helped me grow as a

person. The story and a deeper understanding of the beatitudes has helped me question how I a

living my life and helped me to make changes. I made the changes so I can be happy with my

quality of life and live a fuller life and happier life in mine and God’s eyes.

Você também pode gostar