The beatitudes : a reversal of fortunes

Abstract

Most commentators have seen the Sermon on the Mount as an exposition of Christian Ethics. Jesus taught his committed followers the proper character, duties, and attitudes of the disciple, as well as the dangers and rewards of following him. He desired for his followers to know what it meant to become a part of the Kingdom of God that is to decide to make God the king and ruler of one's entire life. This Sermon describes life in the Kingdom, from entrance into the Kingdom here on earth to the final judgment in heaven. This essay will deal with: • The theme of the Beatitudes as found in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7) and the Sermon on the Plain (Lk 6, 17-49). • Attention will be given to the theme of the reversal of fortunes, and the Kingdom of Heaven. • The differences in Matthew's poor in spirit and Luke's materialistic poor. • A case study of the life and spirituality of Jeanne Jugan and how she lived the Beatitudes. • A conclusion. The objective of this essay is to try and understand the reasons for the Beatitudes in regards to the spiritual principles that can be obtained in every age. We will try to illustrate what is the character of the Kingdom of Heaven. This will help us to see, whether one belongs to this Kingdom or not.