Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 284 – Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 284 - Part II. Why are the Beatitudes so important?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Those who yearn for the kingdom of God look to Jesus’ list of priorities: the Beatitudes.

A deepening through CCC

(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.

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) From Abraham on, God made promises to his people. Jesus takes them up, extends their application to heaven, and makes them the program for his own life: the Son of God becomes poor so as to share our poverty; he rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep (Rom 12:15); he employs no violence but rather turns the other cheek (Mt 5:39); he has mercy, makes peace, and thereby shows us the sure way to heaven.

(CCC Comment)

(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.

(The next question is: What is eternal happiness?)