The Beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness. This desire is of divine origin: God has placed it in the human heart in order to draw us to the one who alone can fulfill it." They "teach man the final end to which God calls us: the kingdom, the vision of God, participation in the divine nature, eternal life, filiation, rest in God." They are the heart of Jesus' preaching. "They continue the promises made to the chosen people from the time of Abraham to the time of Christ, fulfilling the promises by ordering them no longer merely to the possession of a territory, but also 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."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42. Cf. CCC, 1716, 1718, 1725-1726; cf. Matthew 5: 3-12.
Source: From the Handbook of Prayers, edited by Fr. Jim Socias.
Printed with permission from eCatholicHub.
