The Life of Grace
St Thomas Aquinas said “Grace perfects nature”. So, the life of Grace is not different from, or similar to the life of Nature, but rather it perfects it.
LIFE OF NATURE
|
LIFE OF GRACE
|
Natural birth |
Baptism |
Philosophical virtues
such as prudence |
Theological virtues
(faith, hope, charity) |
Food and drink |
The Eucharist |
Human society |
The Church |
Growth to adulthood |
Growth in holiness |
Human happiness |
The vision of God |
The Beatitudes
In the eight beatitudes (blessings), Jesus taught how the life of heaven can be made visible in our earthly life, bringing a promise and foretaste of joy even when there is earthly suffering.
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 receive 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 for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.