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Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life
Escape the Kingdom of Man
The Perfect Christmas Gift for $3 25-99; $2 100+ copies! Get one for each family and make a lasting impact when your church is at its fullest. Engage current parishioners and gain new ones! For more details, click here.
In this encouraging, easy-to-read book, Father Jeffrey Kirby offers hope to the tired, overburdened, and unhappy. He reminds us that we are made for happiness. But he goes beyond that, showing us the path to achieving happiness. It’s not a new path. In fact, Jesus showed us the way in the Beatitudes, but Kingdom of Happiness reveals how these aren’t merely nice sayings, they are powerful ways of living.
Fr. Kirby first identifies the sources of the false promises—the anti-beatitudes—of a fallen, busy world. He explains how these anti-beatitudes, far from leading to happiness, tear down and rob us of happiness. Kirby leads the reader out of this darkness, pointing us to Jesus Christ as the saint-tested and centuries-proven source of authentic peace, true joy, and radical happiness.
To unveil the path to happiness in Jesus Christ, Kirby does not rely on emotional arguments or soft spirituality. He turns to the boldness of the Lord’s Beatitudes, the real promises to true happiness. He teaches about the love, power, and self-control within them by showing their practical, life-application in today’s world.
Kingdom of Happiness shows that the Beatitudes are not a self-help guide or a boring list of eight more things to do, but are a series of grace-filled, life-giving promises that excite our souls and point us along a way of life that assures us of true, lasting happiness.
The Perfect Christmas Gift for $3 25-99; $2 100+ copies! Get one for each family and make a lasting impact when your church is at its fullest. Engage current parishioners and gain new ones! For more details, click here.
In this encouraging, easy-to-read book, Father Jeffrey Kirby offers hope to the tired, overburdened, and unhappy. He reminds us that we are made for happiness. But he goes beyond that, showing us the path to achieving happiness. It’s not a new path. In fact, Jesus showed us the way in the Beatitudes, but Kingdom of Happiness reveals how these aren’t merely nice sayings, they are powerful ways of living.
Fr. Kirby first identifies the sources of the false promises—the anti-beatitudes—of a fallen, busy world. He explains how these anti-beatitudes, far from leading to happiness, tear down and rob us of happiness. Kirby leads the reader out of this darkness, pointing us to Jesus Christ as the saint-tested and centuries-proven source of authentic peace, true joy, and radical happiness.
To unveil the path to happiness in Jesus Christ, Kirby does not rely on emotional arguments or soft spirituality. He turns to the boldness of the Lord’s Beatitudes, the real promises to true happiness. He teaches about the love, power, and self-control within them by showing their practical, life-application in today’s world.
Kingdom of Happiness shows that the Beatitudes are not a self-help guide or a boring list of eight more things to do, but are a series of grace-filled, life-giving promises that excite our souls and point us along a way of life that assures us of true, lasting happiness.
192 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2017
52 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Kirby
31 books20 followersFather Jeff Kirby is the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina (gracewepray.org). He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Father Kirby serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College and Pontifex University. He has authored several books, including "Lord, Teach Us to Pray," "Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life," "God's Search for Us," and most recently, "Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Fr. Jean-Pierre DeCaussade."
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program "Doors of Mercy" and was one of the co-instructors of the programs, "Luke: The Gospel of Mercy" and "Jesus Revealed."
Father Kirby is a weekly Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse.
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program "Doors of Mercy" and was one of the co-instructors of the programs, "Luke: The Gospel of Mercy" and "Jesus Revealed."
Father Kirby is a weekly Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 3, 2018
Quick read if you are at all familiar with Beatitudes. Fr. Kirby’s personal stories liven up what would otherwise be standard fare. Good, but not anything particularly new, except for the spiritual matrix. Maybe that’s not new either, but it was for me.
Each Beatitude is associated with a Gift of the Spirit, a Virtue, a Petition of the Lord’s Prayer and an Anti-Beatitude or Capital Sin. I had seen some of these items connected before, but not all of them as they are here.
I have made several copies of Father’s Kingdom of Happiness Table on page 158 and am tucking it in some of my favorite books. Sacred Scripture and Liturgy of the Hours for sure, probably some of my Carmelite books as well, like, The Way of Perfection and Divine Intimacy so when I pray the Lord’s Prayer, I can begin to associate Virtues, Beatitudes, and Gifts with the words I am praying. And also know which vices I am asking God’s help in purging.
Considering we only manage to remember a small measure of our reading—if any—I could give this book five stars for this amazingly useful chart alone. Five full stars for this divine diagram. Four for the book overall.
Also! At the end of each chapter there is an examination of Conscience, a Prayer, Three Helpful Truths to growing in the Beatitude discussed in that chapter, and something from the Psalmists or Apostles. A veritable gold mine! 4.5
January 18, 2018: Picked this up for free at the Base Chapel. I will be passing it along when I am finished so others may benefit as well.
Each Beatitude is associated with a Gift of the Spirit, a Virtue, a Petition of the Lord’s Prayer and an Anti-Beatitude or Capital Sin. I had seen some of these items connected before, but not all of them as they are here.
I have made several copies of Father’s Kingdom of Happiness Table on page 158 and am tucking it in some of my favorite books. Sacred Scripture and Liturgy of the Hours for sure, probably some of my Carmelite books as well, like, The Way of Perfection and Divine Intimacy so when I pray the Lord’s Prayer, I can begin to associate Virtues, Beatitudes, and Gifts with the words I am praying. And also know which vices I am asking God’s help in purging.
Considering we only manage to remember a small measure of our reading—if any—I could give this book five stars for this amazingly useful chart alone. Five full stars for this divine diagram. Four for the book overall.
Also! At the end of each chapter there is an examination of Conscience, a Prayer, Three Helpful Truths to growing in the Beatitude discussed in that chapter, and something from the Psalmists or Apostles. A veritable gold mine! 4.5
January 18, 2018: Picked this up for free at the Base Chapel. I will be passing it along when I am finished so others may benefit as well.
May 5, 2021
I picked this book up after reading and reviewing several by Father Paul O’Sullivan O.P., it was recommended by someone who enjoyed those reviews and they recommended several titles by Father Kirby. When I looked into the titles available from the pen of Father Kirby, there were several from TAN books that caught my attention. In fact 7 of his books made it onto my wish list almost immediately. This was the first I have read but it will not be the last! My understanding is that there is a study series that can go along with this book, with a guide and DVD’s. As much as I enjoyed reading this book, it would have been even better with a group. The end of the description of this volume states:
“Kingdom of Happiness shows that the Beatitudes are not a self-help guide or a boring list of eight more things to do, but are a series of grace-filled, life-giving promises that excite our souls and point us along a way of life that assures us of true, lasting happiness.”
The chapters in this volume are:
A Note to the Reader
Introduction: The Choice Between Two Kingdoms
Poor in Spirit
Those Who Mourn
The Meek
Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
The Merciful
Pure in Heart
The Peacemakers
The Persecuted
Bibliography
In the first section, A Note to the Reader Kirby highlights several points:
“First Step
Thank you for picking up this book! As you open it, you’ve already taken the hardest step along a path that could lead you to true happiness. Here’s some more good news:”
So of the sections that follow are:
•You’re not alone.
•There’s a way out of misery.
•Happiness is a decision.
•Someone else does the heavy lifting.
•Happiness is a kingdom.
•The kingdom of happiness can be seen.
And it concludes with:
“A Second Step
As you started reading this book, I mentioned that you’ve already taken the hardest step along a path that could lead you to true happiness. Therefore, I’d like to ask you to take a second step and continue reading this book so that you might encounter the kingdom of happiness described through the Beatitudes. As you begin to see this kingdom sitting on the horizon, remember that citizenship within its walls is available right now. You are welcome at all times.
The choice is yours. Will you choose happiness?”
From there we have a wonderfully written volume. A book any Catholic, nay any Christian could benefit from reading. Looking at the beatitudes and their opposites Father Kirby navigates us through Christian spirituality. A path that has been handed down. And one that we desperately need these days.
This is a book that can be read again and again, and each time we will be blessed and benefit from it in a new or deeper way. The writing of Father Kirby is easily accessible. Anyone with a high school education could read this book and engage fully with the text. In fact it would be a great book for a high school group or collage age students to worth through together. It is a book that can have a strong and lasting impact on readers.
Christ promised in John 10:10 “For the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I am come that they might have life and have it abundantly.” This book is a volume that will help you learn to live that abundant life. By learning to live the beatitudes. It is an excellent volume that I cannot recommend enough. But the book does not offer quick fixes or easy answers. We will need to read, and apply and put in the work. There will be time and effort involved in learning to live the beatitudes out in our daily lives. But it will be worth it here and in the life to come.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Kingdom of Happiness shows that the Beatitudes are not a self-help guide or a boring list of eight more things to do, but are a series of grace-filled, life-giving promises that excite our souls and point us along a way of life that assures us of true, lasting happiness.”
The chapters in this volume are:
A Note to the Reader
Introduction: The Choice Between Two Kingdoms
Poor in Spirit
Those Who Mourn
The Meek
Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
The Merciful
Pure in Heart
The Peacemakers
The Persecuted
Bibliography
In the first section, A Note to the Reader Kirby highlights several points:
“First Step
Thank you for picking up this book! As you open it, you’ve already taken the hardest step along a path that could lead you to true happiness. Here’s some more good news:”
So of the sections that follow are:
•You’re not alone.
•There’s a way out of misery.
•Happiness is a decision.
•Someone else does the heavy lifting.
•Happiness is a kingdom.
•The kingdom of happiness can be seen.
And it concludes with:
“A Second Step
As you started reading this book, I mentioned that you’ve already taken the hardest step along a path that could lead you to true happiness. Therefore, I’d like to ask you to take a second step and continue reading this book so that you might encounter the kingdom of happiness described through the Beatitudes. As you begin to see this kingdom sitting on the horizon, remember that citizenship within its walls is available right now. You are welcome at all times.
The choice is yours. Will you choose happiness?”
From there we have a wonderfully written volume. A book any Catholic, nay any Christian could benefit from reading. Looking at the beatitudes and their opposites Father Kirby navigates us through Christian spirituality. A path that has been handed down. And one that we desperately need these days.
This is a book that can be read again and again, and each time we will be blessed and benefit from it in a new or deeper way. The writing of Father Kirby is easily accessible. Anyone with a high school education could read this book and engage fully with the text. In fact it would be a great book for a high school group or collage age students to worth through together. It is a book that can have a strong and lasting impact on readers.
Christ promised in John 10:10 “For the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I am come that they might have life and have it abundantly.” This book is a volume that will help you learn to live that abundant life. By learning to live the beatitudes. It is an excellent volume that I cannot recommend enough. But the book does not offer quick fixes or easy answers. We will need to read, and apply and put in the work. There will be time and effort involved in learning to live the beatitudes out in our daily lives. But it will be worth it here and in the life to come.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
January 14, 2018
A practical guide that, if followed, will lead the reader to lasting happiness in this life and the next life
October 10, 2024
A spectacular book by Fr. Kirby! Like many religious meditative text, this one for a particularly Catholic crowd, it serves to be a very well organized and explanatory formula for an introduction into the happy and religious life. Using the very words from Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter Five, a section called the Beatitudes.
The beatitudes are blessings. They are a road to the Christian life by using various episodes of the common human experience as ways to be comforted and consoled, trusting that God does know and that He does work through it. Blessed are the poor in spirit... those who mourn... the meek... those who hunger and thirst for righteousness... the merciful... the pure of heart... the peacemakers... and the persecuted. When we understand the text by reading the syntax and how this can become applicable to human affairs, then one can begin to appreciate how they can not only live happily but live in conformity to the one who offers happiness.
Each chapter begins each new beatitude with a personal story from Fr. Kirby, examples from real life scenarios and various analogies, the doing of that same beatitude in scripture, and then an examination of conscience which ends with a general overview with connections that include the ''fruits of the holy spirit'' (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), a portion of the Lords Prayer (Our Father...), and either a relation with the theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity) or cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance).
It's a very memorable title and there's so much in it that I've decided to leave notes whenever I want to pick it back up again. This is a book that can be paired with something like St. Francis ''Introduction to the Devout life'' I'd think. If you personally do struggle with understanding the complexities of the moral order such as being a witness or victim of evil or you have just a hard time following along discerning what may be right, then this author delivers it with simplicity that opens the avenue to much other text- perhaps Brother Lawrence ''Meditation on the Presence of God'', St. Augustine ''Enchiridion'', or St. Thomas ''De Malo'' could be considered.
Truly a great reading experience!
The beatitudes are blessings. They are a road to the Christian life by using various episodes of the common human experience as ways to be comforted and consoled, trusting that God does know and that He does work through it. Blessed are the poor in spirit... those who mourn... the meek... those who hunger and thirst for righteousness... the merciful... the pure of heart... the peacemakers... and the persecuted. When we understand the text by reading the syntax and how this can become applicable to human affairs, then one can begin to appreciate how they can not only live happily but live in conformity to the one who offers happiness.
Each chapter begins each new beatitude with a personal story from Fr. Kirby, examples from real life scenarios and various analogies, the doing of that same beatitude in scripture, and then an examination of conscience which ends with a general overview with connections that include the ''fruits of the holy spirit'' (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), a portion of the Lords Prayer (Our Father...), and either a relation with the theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity) or cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance).
It's a very memorable title and there's so much in it that I've decided to leave notes whenever I want to pick it back up again. This is a book that can be paired with something like St. Francis ''Introduction to the Devout life'' I'd think. If you personally do struggle with understanding the complexities of the moral order such as being a witness or victim of evil or you have just a hard time following along discerning what may be right, then this author delivers it with simplicity that opens the avenue to much other text- perhaps Brother Lawrence ''Meditation on the Presence of God'', St. Augustine ''Enchiridion'', or St. Thomas ''De Malo'' could be considered.
Truly a great reading experience!
April 20, 2020
While the premise of this book is good - how to live the Beatitudes - I felt the author made each chapter overly complex, instead of making what I felt could have been a much clearer and simpler message. The structure was interesting. Each chapter tackled one of the beatitudes, and then provided the virtue and portion of the Lord’s Prayer that correlated, and then put forth an “anti-beatitude”. This is where I felt several of the chapters lost clarity. For example, for “blessed are the peacemakers”, the gift of the spirit was wisdom, the corresponding virtue was charity, the portion of the Lord’s Prayer was “but deliver us from evil” and the anti-beatitude was gluttony. The author tried to clarify (and in some chapters almost redefine) some of his word choices - but again I felt it just over complicated what could have been a much more coherent message. There were good points made in some chapters, and definitely some interesting questions upon which to reflect, but overall I would not recommend it.
March 29, 2023
I was introduced to Fr. Kirby when I found his Sunday homilies on YouTube. As I appreciated his style and spiritual direction, I wanted to start reading his many works. This book is great because it’s what I call a “work-study” book. You can meditate upon the Beatitudes and their meaning, and also use it’s reflections and especially it’s “Mount To Mission” as guides to real work application and discernment. I look forward to reading more of Fr. Kirby’s books.
August 1, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by the insights offered in this book as part of a scripture study with Mary's Women of Joy held at COK parish. Using the workbook helped to get the most out of the "spiritual matrix" at the end of each chapter.
January 23, 2018
Very practical advice with great examples on how to live the beatitudes and how they tie to the Our Father, virtues, and gifts of the spirit.
January 8, 2021
Excellent book on the Beatitudes.
May 3, 2022
Ok but not a keeper.
October 21, 2023
An enjoyable trip through the Beatitudes
This is a well written explanation of each Beatitude and how it relates to Jesus and to our living our Christian faith
This is a well written explanation of each Beatitude and how it relates to Jesus and to our living our Christian faith
March 6, 2018
Who doesn’t want to escape the Kingdom of Man for the Kingdom of Heaven? Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life by Father Jeffrey Kirby is a mentally stimulating read about incorporating the Beatitudes, given to us by Jesus in the Sermon on the mount, into our everyday lives. As an adult, I have loved hanging onto the simple faith formation ideals – I haven’t killed anyone, stolen, or dishonored the Sabbath from the 10 Commandments, so I must be doing okay, right? Of course, I wanted to increase my faith knowledge, not keep it stalled. Fr. Kirby’s 160 page guide is a great place to start! I read it earlier this year and find I am returning to it frequently to mull over concepts.
While the Beatitudes seem simplistic (of course, the Peacemaker are Blessed and they shall be the sons of God), I know I’m not the person the US diplomatic corps is going to call to send into Israel and Palestine. Can I work to rectify office squabbles and the dreaded road rage at a rough four way stop? Of course!
Fr. Kirby’s chapter on the Meek really stands out. As a strong-willed redhead, I’m not known to be timid, although I am docile and believe in avoiding confrontation. This was a chapter that I thought would absolutely be a kerfuffle. How was I going to step up into the footsteps of those docile sheep or the silent, cloistered nuns? But, in Fr. Kirby’s book, we learn that meekness is NOT weakness. It is a lack of wrath coupled with mercy. Heck, even I might be able to handle that!
Each chapter ends with an examination of conscience. I loved that! A great read typically causes me to mull on assorted points within the book. The examination of conscience included items that I might have overlooked! We also build out a matrix on gifts of spirit, virtue, and the antithesis of the Beatitude, add in a prayer and some appropriate Bible passages. If one wants to go a step further, there is an optional personal challenge for an 8 day self-managed personal enrichment at www.beblessedchallenge.com.
This book is a great read! I lent my copy to family and friends. And then, I reread it!
While the Beatitudes seem simplistic (of course, the Peacemaker are Blessed and they shall be the sons of God), I know I’m not the person the US diplomatic corps is going to call to send into Israel and Palestine. Can I work to rectify office squabbles and the dreaded road rage at a rough four way stop? Of course!
Fr. Kirby’s chapter on the Meek really stands out. As a strong-willed redhead, I’m not known to be timid, although I am docile and believe in avoiding confrontation. This was a chapter that I thought would absolutely be a kerfuffle. How was I going to step up into the footsteps of those docile sheep or the silent, cloistered nuns? But, in Fr. Kirby’s book, we learn that meekness is NOT weakness. It is a lack of wrath coupled with mercy. Heck, even I might be able to handle that!
Each chapter ends with an examination of conscience. I loved that! A great read typically causes me to mull on assorted points within the book. The examination of conscience included items that I might have overlooked! We also build out a matrix on gifts of spirit, virtue, and the antithesis of the Beatitude, add in a prayer and some appropriate Bible passages. If one wants to go a step further, there is an optional personal challenge for an 8 day self-managed personal enrichment at www.beblessedchallenge.com.
This book is a great read! I lent my copy to family and friends. And then, I reread it!
April 23, 2018
This is a book I need to revisit. I read it with a group of people as a book study, which always enriches your reading by hearing other perspectives. We all mentioned how many highlights and notes were made chapter by chapter. Fr. Kirby is very easy and enjoyable to read. I especially loved the school of discipleship portion where he combines the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the opposing sin, and the portion of the Lord's Prayer that accompanies each beatitude.
July 7, 2021
An excellent explanation of the beatitudes that shows their interrelatedness with virtues, gifts of the holy spirit, the Our Father, and the 7 deadly sins. Fr. Kirby puts it all together in an easy to understand format with solid examples from the Bible and our modern world. Highly recommended for everyone, whether you're just curious or want to grow in your faith.
April 4, 2019
Very thought provoking!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews