The Thomistic Institute St. Thomas Aquinas on the Beatitudes – Fr. Anton ten Klooster
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Jan 22, 2026 Fr. Anton ten Klooster, an assistant professor of theology at Tilburg University and expert on Aquinas, delves into the Beatitudes' significance. He explores how Aquinas defined true happiness, linking contemplation to fulfillment. The discussion highlights the Beatitudes as both actions and divine promises, revealing their structure and purpose. Fr. Anton also emphasizes the role of saints as exemplars and the pastoral aim of encouraging imitation for spiritual growth. His insights bridge medieval thought and contemporary moral theology.
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Reading As Foundational Theological Work
- Thomas Aquinas prioritized lectio (reading scripture) as the foundational task of a master in Parisian theology.
- His classroom lectures were recorded by secretaries and later edited into reportationes that shape our access to his thought.
Commentaries Are Mediated Lectures
- Medieval reportationes are interpretive reconstructions of Aquinas' live lectures rather than finalized authored books.
- Variations in scribes' skill and later edits mean the commentary we read is a mediated glimpse into his classroom.
Beatitudes As Way And Promise
- Aquinas reads the Beatitudes as paired actions and promises: the first clause is the way, the second clause the promise.
- He locates full happiness (beatific vision) in the next life while the Beatitudes give an imperfect but authentic beginning here.
