Salt and Light—The Commandments, the Beatitudes, and a Joyful Life

Salt and Light offers a fresh perspective on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, showing how these two pillars of Christian moral teaching complement each other. The Ten Commandments are the "ground floor," providing the bare minimum contours of the moral life. The Beatitudes, by contrast, point us to a way we can live our lives as creatures intended to share in the life of God. Mark Shea, in his engaging style, introduces the modern reader (who often thinks of the moral life as a list of dos and don'ts) to a fuller grasp of Catholic moral teaching as part of the process of being transformed by the Holy Spirit and living joyfully in virtue, not merely as a rule keeper. Salt and Light reveals the commandments as showing us our brokenness and pushing us toward the Savior—and then points the reader to the way to ultimate happiness: our beatitude.

This book is an excellent companion volume to The Work of Mercy, which examines the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and is a rich exploration of the Church's moral and social teaching.

Mark P. Shea, senior content editor for Catholic Exchange, is a popular writer and speaker. He is the author of several books, including The Work of Mercy: Being the Hands and Heart of Christ and the acclaimed Mary, Mother of the Son trilogy. He is a regular contributor to National Catholic Register and a frequent guest on EWTN and Catholic radio. He lives in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, with his wife and four sons.