beatitude

The word beatitude is synonymous with the word “blessed.” In the Beatitudes in the Gospel According to Luke 6:20–26 (NABRE), we encounter Jesus describing the conditions that need to be met in order for a person to be blessed. The idea of being blessed is common to Christianity, so much so that we refer to those one step away from sainthood as blessed. In this sense, blessed seems to mean holy or favored by God, though the original Greek concept has a slightly different meaning.

The Greek word used in the Beatitudes is the word μακάριος (makarios). which means “blessed,” “happy,” or “prosperous. “Originally, this word did not have religious connotation and rather was used to refer to any fortunate person as measured by material security and prosperity.

We can see by the Christian view of blessing that this concept has undergone a significant degree of transformation. Those whom Christianity regards as blessed are not the most wealthy and prosperous but rather those who are holy and seem favored by God. This shift shows us a significant change in value by Christians.

What do you view as a sign of prosperity and blessing? What would make you happy?

related topics: blessed; blessing; favor with God

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Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels, a 26-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, looks at the biblical foundations of the Rosary. The study includes lessons on Pope St. John Paul II’s Rosarium Virginis Mariae (Rosary of the Virgin Mary), the Apostles’ Creed, and the Luminous Mysteries as well as the original 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Color photographs of stained glass windows depict key scenes in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Free digital lessons rotate throughout the year on our website.

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