From the Basilica of Mary. Sept. 4, 2025.

The Beatitudes: The Path to Salvation by Johan M.J. van Parys, Ph.D.

 I don’t know about you, but I find myself faced with some profound questions lately. Most pressing to me is the question about our individual and collective mission as Catholic Christians. In other words, how are we to live and behave in our very complex world.

My recent ponderings often bring me back to the Beatitudes delivered by Jesus during his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). These striking eight statements made by Jesus some 2000 years ago are the blueprint for our mission as Christians. They were radical then and they are radical now.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” By poverty in spirit Jesus does not mean lacking in intelligence, faith or joy. Instead, to be poor in spirit is to know that our true strength is not relative to our accomplishment and our true worth does not come from our possessions, rather these are rooted in our relationship with God, the source of all that is.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Mourning is more than sadness. It is an expression of true empathy and compassion. As we grieve with others, we participate in God’s healing work, offering comfort and hope amid life’s losses. Our ability to mourn is a sign of deep and gratuitous love.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness is not weakness. Trusting in God, the meek discover deep peace, something the world cannot give. The meek need not assert themselves aggressively. Their strength comes from the quiet confidence in God’s power rather than their own.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to make it our life’s purpose to seek God’s will and to help realize God’s vision and hope for our world. It means to be passionate about truth, goodness and justice.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Mercy is at the heart of God, and it must be at the heart of every Christian. When we forgive, when we show compassion, when we reach out to those in need, our reflects God’s love.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Purity is not just about avoiding sin. Purity is about having undivided loyalty to God. A pure heart is one that seeks God above all else, unclouded by selfish motives or distractions.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” In a world torn by lies and division, hatred and violence, we are called to be agents of reconciliation and healing. Peacemaking requires deep listening, respectful dialogue, and a willingness to forgive. This is not an easy task, but it is essential to our Christian mission.

Finally, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Commitment to God’s truth may bring opposition or suffering, but Jesus reminds us that such trials are not defeats. On the contrary, they are signs that we are on the path to salvation.

The Beatitudes do not promise an easy life, but they do promise a life of deep meaning, purpose, and eternal reward. They guide us to live not for the fleeting approval of the world, but for the lasting joy found in God. When we follow this path, we are truly blessed, maybe not in the eyes of the world, but much more importantly, in the eyes of God.

As we ponder our Christian mission during this Jubilee Year of Hope, let us take to heart these eight beatitudes which Jesus laid out as the path to salvation. In a world driven by competition, pride, and material success, the Beatitudes challenge us to embrace a life rooted in humility, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of righteousness. The Beatitudes offer a powerful antidote to the tempting, yet false paths offered by our world. The beatitudes offer us much needed hope for our world.

Johan M.J. van Parys, Ph.D.

Managing Director of Ministries

Director of Liturgy and the Sacred Arts