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Monica
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
- What is the definition of the Beatitudes?
- We have read them in the Scriptures but what is the origin
of the term?
Obviously, if we follow these rules we would
be exceptional people!
Thanks,
Monica
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What
is the definition of Beatitude and what is the origin of this word? }
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Mike
replied:
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Hi, Monica —
Thanks for the question.
I've taken Father Peter M.J. Stravinskas' entry
for this term from his dictionary and encyclopedia
and combined them. We believe Fr. Peter is
a reliable and well-known source.
The Beatitudes (bee-A-tih-töödz):
(Latin: beatus: meaning blessed, happy)
Promises of eschatological [end
times] blessing
made by Jesus to His followers who embrace His
teaching (See Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23).
The Beatitudes look to the arrival of the Kingdom
of God and the fulfillment of salvation.
Referring to the pronouncements of Jesus found
in Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-23, as a literary form, the beatitude,
[the macarism (from the Greek makarios,
blessed, happy)], is found throughout the Old Testament
and Greek literatures in existence during Jesus'
life. In Old Testament literature blessedness is
associated with the mighty and salvific deeds of
God, prayer, and wisdom sayings. A characteristic
perception found in this literature is its hope
in God in the midst of apparently overwhelming
circumstances.
The basic thrust of the Beatitudes is eschatological <the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of mankind.> joy (i.e., blessedness) associated with the arrival
of the kingdom of God and therefore the accomplishment
of the salvation process. The inherent paradoxical
nature of the Beatitudes (the poor will inherit,
the mourners will be comforted, etc.) forces the
listener to redefine the suffering within the more
global context of God's plan of salvation in Christ. |
Hope this helps,
Mike
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