Discovering Hope in the Beatitudes: A Review of Eight Promises of God by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them (Matthew 5:1-2).
In his newest book, “Eight Promises of God: Discovering Hope Through the Beatitudes,” Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, invites us to see the Beatitudes not as distant ideals or abstract teachings but as living promises. Celebrated for his style that feels like a friendly conversation in works like “Habits for Holiness” and “The Father,” as well as for hosting the popular “Rosary in a Year” podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary continues his gift for connecting eternal truths with the ordinary moments of life.
I most appreciated how this book feels. Fr. Mark-Mary has a knack for storytelling that’s as warm as a coffee shop chat. Each chapter begins with a down-to-earth anecdote — sometimes funny, sometimes moving — that draws you in before diving into one of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12). He frames these “Blessed are” statements not as a list of spiritual chores but as promises from God, offering hope in our messiest moments. As he reminds us, the Beatitudes are “invitations to hope” — gifts God longs to give, not impossible standards to measure up to.
The Beatitudes aren’t just words spoken on a hillside. They’re a portrait of Christ Himself. When I look at them this way, following the Beatitudes stops feeling like an impossible climb and more like walking behind Jesus, step by step.
The rhythm of the book makes it easy to take to prayer. Each chapter offers:
A story or anecdote from everyday life or the friars’ mission field
A Scriptural reflection showing how the Beatitude is embodied in Christ
A practical takeaway that challenges us to live with greater openness, humility, and trust
Hope for Right Now
Too often, I think of the Beatitudes only in terms of eternal reward: comfort for those who mourn, the Kingdom for the poor in spirit. Here I was reminded that God is already pouring out His promises in the present, even in the hidden or painful places of life.
Reading “Eight Promises of God” felt like sitting across the table from a friend who can make you laugh one minute and move you to prayer the next. It’s light enough to pick up after a long day but rich enough to shape your spiritual life.
For anyone longing for encouragement, clarity, or simply a reminder that God’s promises are trustworthy and real, this book is a worthy companion. It’s not just a study of the Beatitudes; it’s an invitation to live them, with Christ at the center!
Amber Apple is a Digital Marketing Manager by day and a writer by night. When she’s not weaving tales for her novel, you can find her in her natural habitat — snuggled up on the couch, lost in the pages of a captivating book, clutching a steaming cup of tea. Her love language is baking French pastries, so if you’re craving a daily dose of mouthwatering recipes and delightful musings, visit her blog, mrsamberapple.com, or connect with her on Instagram @mrsamberapple.