The Beatitudes: A Path to Supreme Happiness

Posted on Mar 23, 2025 in Religion

The Eight Beatitudes

  1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  2. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
  3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
  4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
  5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
  6. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
  7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
  8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Understanding the Beatitudes and Redemption

  • The word “beatitude” means supreme happiness.
  • Jesus gave us the Beatitudes so that we might have a blueprint for happiness.
  • Jesus gave us the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount.
  • Because he inaugurates a new creation, Jesus is called the New Adam.

Original Sin and Its Effects

  • Effects of Original Sin:
    • Death
    • Weakening of the will
    • Weakening of the intellect
  • Reasons why Adam and Eve lost original holiness: Their sin and disobedience, their misuse of freedom, their lack of trust in God’s goodness.
  • Original sin causes our soul and faculties of will and intellect to be wounded.
  • Concupiscence is an effect of the Fall that inclines us to sin.

The Dignity of the Human Person

  • Two ways in which our body shares the dignity of the image of God: it is a temple, and it will rise again on the last day.
  • To be made in the Divine Image means to have the capacities of intellect and free will.
  • God made man and woman equal in dignity but at the same time complementary.

Salvation and Grace

  • The means by which Jesus sends us grace: through his body, the Church; through the sacraments; through the Holy Spirit.
  • We are freed of Original Sin and any personal sin through Baptism.
  • The sacrament of the Eucharist is the most practical and rewarding way to remain united with Christ.
  • Christ continues his work of salvation in his body, the Church.
  • We can confess our sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and be reconciled with the Church through Penance.
  • The reforming of our lives is known as repentance.
  • Sanctifying grace heals fallen human nature and gives a share in the Divine life of the Blessed Trinity.