Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are the teachings of Jesus at the opening of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–12) on the meaning and way to true happiness. They portray the countenance of Christ and describe his charity — and by shedding light on the actions and attitudes of the Christian life, they describe the vocation of all the faithful (CCC 1716).

The Eight Beatitudes

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3–10).

The Paradox of the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes overturn the world's understanding of happiness. They declare blessed not the powerful, wealthy, and comfortable, but the poor, the grieving, the meek, and the persecuted. This is because they describe happiness not as the satisfaction of earthly desires but as the conditions in which God's life can fully take root in the soul (CCC 1717).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Beatitudes commandments? The Beatitudes are not commandments in the same sense as the Decalogue — they are descriptions of the character of the Kingdom of God and of the person who lives it. They are aspirational: the goal toward which the Christian life strives (CCC 1716–1717).

What is the highest Beatitude? "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." All the other Beatitudes are ordered toward this supreme blessedness — the Beatific Vision — the direct knowledge and love of God face to face (CCC 1720).