Understanding the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:1-12, represent a radical redefinition of what it means to be blessed. Jesus starts with the phrase 'blessed are,' which is often misunderstood as a list of virtues; however, it originates from the Greek term 'makarios,' which is best interpreted as 'congratulations' or 'happy are those.' This term applies to individuals in circumstances that typically wouldn’t be associated with blessing, such as being poor in spirit or meek. The teachings are both provocative and comforting, inviting those who feel marginalized or powerless to find their place in the kingdom of heaven.