Rachel Evans
The Eight Beatitudes are blessings recounted by Jesus in Matthew 5:3–10 within the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, and four in the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke. Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. The Beatitudes are:
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
2. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land
3. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
6. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God
8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poor in spirit | The kingdom of heaven is theirs |
| Mournful | They will be comforted |
| Meek | They will inherit the land |
| Hunger and thirst for righteousness | They will be satisfied |
| Merciful | They will be shown mercy |
| Clean/pure in heart | They will see God |
| Peacemakers | They will be called children of God |
| Persecuted for righteousness | The kingdom of heaven is theirs |
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What You'll Learn
Blessed are the poor in spirit
"Blessed are the poor in spirit" is the first of the eight Beatitudes, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. The Beatitudes, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, outline the rewards that will be bestowed upon the loyal followers of Christ.
The phrase "poor in spirit" refers to individuals who recognize their need for God and understand that every good thing comes from Him as a gift. These individuals are humble and unattached to worldly possessions, knowing that true happiness lies not in material wealth but in the spiritual realm. They lead a spiritual life akin to how a physically poor man leads his physical life, relying on God for spiritual nourishment through prayer, mercy, and confession.
The spiritually poor recognize their lack of self-sufficiency and live as "beggars before God." They value and treasure what they receive, striving not to waste any gifts from God. This attitude of gratitude and non-attachment allows them to readily share with others, as material possessions are not their focus.
Jesus emphasized that wealth is not a sign of God's favor, and in fact, it is often easier for those who are physically poor to attain spiritual poverty. The Kingdom of God belongs to the poor in spirit, for they have the power of humility, service, and brotherhood, which brings true freedom.
Overall, "Blessed are the poor in spirit" serves as a reminder that surrendering to God's will and recognizing our dependence on Him is a path to blessings and happiness in the Christian life.
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Blessed are they who mourn
"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted" is the second of the eight Beatitudes, as recorded in Matthew 5:4. This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and it is directed towards his closest friends. In the Bible, "blessed" usually means "happy", but in the context of this verse, it likely indicates an enviable state. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the Greek verb used in the original text is in the active voice, indicating that mourning is an action taken by the mourner.
The Beatitudes are a collection of truths designed to prepare Jesus' followers for his kingdom, which involves a lifestyle radically different from the world's. In this particular Beatitude, Jesus is contrasting the world's idea of happiness with true blessedness, or spiritual prosperity, which comes from a right relationship with God. Mourning, in this context, means "to experience deep grief" over sin and the evil present in the world. It is important to note that Christian mourning is not about despair, but is filled with hope, even in the face of difficult situations.
Those who mourn their sins, the evil in the world, or their own rebellion against God can attain an enviable state of blessedness due to the comfort they receive from communion with the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter, and he promises that the Spirit will comfort those who are honest about their sins and humble enough to ask for forgiveness and healing. This type of mourning leads to true repentance, which results in forgiveness and cleansing from God.
The beauty of penitence and the tears of contrition are valued in Christian life, which finds its best expression in mercy. Ephrem the Syrian, one of the first monks, said that "a face washed with tears is unspeakably beautiful". Those who welcome the pain linked to love will receive the consolation of the Holy Spirit, and God's forgiveness and correction.
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Blessed are the merciful
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" is the fifth Beatitude from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:7). The word "blessed" here is used to mean "happy" or "joyful" in a spiritual sense, reflecting a divine satisfaction that comes from a right relationship with God.
To be merciful is to show forgiveness and compassion to those in need. Jesus himself frequently spoke of this trait, and he also embodied it in his own actions. For example, after healing a man of demons, Jesus tells him, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19). In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus also says, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12).
Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over sacrifice in Matthew 9:13, where he instructs the Pharisees, "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." We are blessed when we are merciful because we reflect God's own mercy and compassion.
By showing mercy, we follow Jesus' teachings and set an example for others to do the same. This can be seen in acts of compassion towards those struggling with addiction, homelessness, or other forms of distress. In extending mercy, we become more like God and can expect to receive His mercy in return, both in this life and in the final judgment.
Overall, the Beatitude "Blessed are the merciful" encourages us to lead merciful and compassionate lives, reflecting the nature of God and bringing us closer to His divine blessings.
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Blessed are the peacemakers
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." This is one of the eight blessings that Jesus taught during his Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The peacemakers are those who follow in Jesus' footsteps, bringing the message of peace and reconciliation to others, and witnessing for Christ.
Peace, in the Catholic understanding, is not merely the absence of conflict or a temporary ceasefire. It is not achieved through threats or violence, nor is it a passive acquiescence to evil or a compromise of principle. True peace, as described by St. Paul, is found only in a restored relationship with God. It is a gift from God, who is described as a "God of peace" in Scripture.
To be a peacemaker, one must actively seek God and His mercy, and act with justice and charity towards everyone. It is about reconciling others to God and to each other, praying for enemies, and greeting opponents with love and sacrifice, following the example of Christ.
The Beatitudes, as a whole, emphasize the importance of spiritual virtues and the blessings that come to those who live according to them. They describe the rewards that will be granted to loyal followers of Christ, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the Messianic kingdom. The blessings are not just for this life but also for the final judgment and eternal life in the kingdom of God.
By living according to the Beatitudes, Christians are called to become new creatures, transformed in heart and character, reflecting the nature of their heavenly Father, who is a God of peace.
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Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness
"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness" is one of the Eight Beatitudes, a set of teachings by Jesus laid out in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-10). The Beatitudes describe the rewards that will be bestowed upon those who follow Christ and live a pious life.
The phrase "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness" refers to those who have a strong and continuous desire for moral and religious perfection. This desire for righteousness is insatiable, and it is only God who can fulfil this longing. The reward for this spiritual hunger is the very fulfilment of the desire itself—a continuous growth in holiness.
This Beatitude encourages believers to actively pursue "mercy", which is a form of righteousness. Showing mercy to others, being pure in heart, and making peace are all acts of righteousness that bring one closer to God and the Messianic kingdom.
The Beatitudes, with their beautiful poetic structure, are considered to be of fundamental importance in the Christian faith. They provide a set of ideals for Christians to strive towards, promising blessings and happiness in this life and the next.
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