360. Why are the beatitudes important for us?
(Comp 360) The beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus’ preaching and they take up and
fulfill the promises that God made starting with Abraham. They depict the very
countenance of Jesus and they characterize authentic Christian life. They
reveal the ultimate goal of human activity, which is eternal happiness.
“In brief”
(CCC 1725)
The Beatitudes take up and fulfill God's promises from Abraham on by ordering
them to the Kingdom of heaven. They respond to the desire for happiness that
God has placed in the human heart.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1716)
The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching. They take up the promises
made to the chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfill the promises by
ordering them no longer merely to the possession of a territory, but to the
Kingdom of heaven: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are
the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they
shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of
God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you
and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be
glad, for your reward is great in heaven (Mt 5:3-12).
Reflection
(CCC 1717)
The Beatitudes depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray his charity.
They express the vocation of the faithful associated with the glory of his
Passion and Resurrection; they shed light on the actions and attitudes
characteristic of the Christian life; they are the paradoxical promises that
sustain hope in the midst of tribulations; they proclaim the blessings and
rewards already secured, however dimly, for Christ's disciples; they have begun
in the lives of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.
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