The Beatitudes
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Blessed (1716)
Jesus calls us blessed if we:
- Are pure in spirit
- Mourn
- Are meek
- Hunger and thirst for righteousness
- Are merciful
- Are pure in heart
- Are peacemakers
- Are persecuted for righteousness
- Are reviled and persecuted for his sake
Paradoxical Blessings (1717)
In these blessings, Jesus goes beyond the promises made to Abraham (which were focused on territory) and bring us to the kingdom of heaven.
These sayings are paradoxes, promising hope amidst tribulations and proclaiming rewards already secured. These blessings have already begun for Mary and all the saints.
Goal of Man's Existence (1718-1719)
These blessings correspond to man's desire for perfect happiness. St. Augustine said, "We all want to live happily." He also prayed, "O God, my body draws life from my soul and my soul draws life from you." St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, "God alone satisfies."
The goal of man's existence is nothing less than experiencing God's own happiness, a gift to every person and to the whole Church.
Entering the Kingdom (1720-1722)
The New Testament calls this happiness "the Kingdom of God," "the vision of God," "the joy of the Lord," and "God's rest." "For what other end do we have, if not to reach the kingdom which does not end?" (St. Augustine)
We are in this world to know, love, and serve God, so we can enter into Christ's glory with the Father and the Spirit.
This gift is "supernatural," going far beyond our intellect and being freely given by God. "He goes so far as to grant those who love him the privilege of seeing him. For what is impossible for man is possible for God" (St. Irenaeus).
Confronted with Moral Choices (1723-1724)
These promised blessings confront us with decisive moral choices and invite us to purify ourselves. They teach us that true riches cannot be found in any human achievement. "All bow down before wealth and measure happiness by wealth. Wealth is one idol of the day and notoriety is a second. Notoriety may be called newspaper fame" (John Cardinal Newman).
The Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and Church teaching describe the path to the kingdom which we must walk each day.
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