Blessed Are the Beatitudes
The eight beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-10, are known as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each encourages a spiritual mindset that prioritizes God’s will over material wealth and worldly power. Unlike the Ten Commandments wherein Moses brought law, Jesus’ beatitudes bring personal sacrifice and an abundant, joy-filled life. Immediately after listing the Beatitudes, Matthew urges believers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Could his intent be that living the eight beatitudes will result in being salt and light for all?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3)
Jesus’ first teaching about being “poor in spirit” directs attention to poverty of things, the poor and the destitute. Having left all to follow Christ, the heirs of the Kingdom do not strive for material goods, social prestige, self-satisfaction and education. People, not things, are valued.
The Anawim, a Hebrew word referring to “the poor,” recognize their need for God’s graces and are satisfied with what they have. They are blessed not because of poverty, but because they are rich in faith. Biblical persons such as Job and Mother Mary are icons of being poor in spirit. Pope St. Gregory I states the essence of life: “Do not be anxious about what you have but about what you are.”
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)
Life can be challenging, and God’s followers will weep as Jesus did. To mourn is to feel the strongest expression of sorrow. People mourn for many reasons, yet God will wipe away tears in a world rampant with pain.
God does not inflict suffering on people. We say, “Help me, God” rather than “Why me, God?” Grieving over sin and the world’s suffering leads to the need for compassion, helping others feel better about themselves after losses.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)
Meekness comes from the word “humus,” which means soil. The meek will inherit the earth because of their gentle, soft and patient personalities. This beatitude teaches us to be slow to anger, quick with patience and devoid of ego. Humility is the true sense of who one is, and a meek attitude lets God’s will come about in whatever way God deems best. This beatitude does not ask one to be a doormat — the meek are bold enough to stand up for what is right and true, and humble enough to admit failure.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6)
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness desire justice more than riches, fame or power. They actively pursue what is right, doing what is fair for everyone. Their lifetime quest is accomplished only through hardships and heartaches, and it is an ongoing conversion, inviting one to say, “Thank you, God,” rather than “Rotten bananas, do I have to?” This beatitude teaches believers to help others take the right path, to trust everyone though they may let you down.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)
In the Hebrew Scriptures, mercy is called “Hesed,” which means “God’s love to a compassionate degree.” Forgiveness is not being soft, allowing self to be harmed by another’s wrongdoings; the merciful respond to the wrong with clarity and firmness. Also, forgiving self is as important as forgiving others.
God’s tender heart cares and acts for the good of others, giving them the gift of merciful love, and human hearts are also tender and merciful. This disposition enables us to be open to those struggling and provides the power to make more of another’s virtues than their failures.
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8)
The pure of heart have one purpose: God. Their words and actions are helpful to others and redemptive for the world. They see God, always, in all ways. This heart-stance directs the pure to conform to God’s leadings. Finding goodness in others and in creation, they are not detained by evil or their own virtues. They do right no matter the cost, not for personal gain, but because it is the right thing to do.
“Blessed are the peacemakers; God will call them Children of God” (Matthew 5:9)
Peacemakers are people who bring peace to others because they have it themselves. God and people universally desire peace, and making peace requires disciples to live the law in a way that produces righteousness. Even in a troubled world, Children of God practice the gift of inner and outer calm living with a courageous spirit and determined will. They surrender what they think is important to what is of utmost value, God’s Kingdom. Where hate and oppression destroy, peace creates and builds up.
“Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for yours is the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:10)
This last beatitude teaches us to continue doing the right thing because of others. Believers are given inner strength to endure calamities of a personal, communal or worldly nature, but this final beatitude turns things backward. Christ-followers desire to follow Him so fiercely that they embrace suffering.
This beatitude does not say you may be persecuted; it says you will be persecuted, and it promises Eternal Life. St. Paul outlined the situation for the true follower: “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed but not given to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly.”
The Sermon on the Mount challenges believers to live with integrity and resourcefulness. They make the world a better place to live, achieving blessedness now and forever. They are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”
Maribeth Theis, OSB
This article was featured on pages 14-15 in the winter 2026 issue of Remember
