The Beatitudes Part 11

INTRO: We are in the sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are dealing with this question: How does one become pure in heart? I probably do not need to tell you that New Year’s resolutions are not the solution. And I need not tell you that the methods of the Catholic church and monasticism are not the way to become pure in heart. For example Paul the simple prayed 300 times a day, moving stones from one pocket to another to keep count. Anthony, the founder of the hermit life, ate only salt and bread and never washed or cut his hair. Symeon lived for 20 years on a 60 foot pillar 3 feet in diameter and never once came down. Paul of Thebes lived in solitude for 90 years. Pachomius slept on a rock for 15 years. St. Paula renounced wealth and became a nun. She was described as "always crying, fasting, and filthy." Benedict controlled his lustful nature by rolling himself naked in a briar patch.” But none of these will ultimately work.