The Beatitudes

Part 10 of 10: The Conclusion

In Jesus’ day there were more than just Pharisees and Sadducees influencing the faith practices of the Judaean Jews. There were also the Essenes, a mystic and contemplative communal sect of educated Jewish men. The Essenes lived what we’d consider monastic life. They gave up all their earthly possessions, practiced celibacy, and were strict vegetarians.…