Sayings about the Beatitudes
First Beatitude
“A Christian (whether poor or rich) must recognize himself as poor in spirit, that is, see that there is nothing good of his own in him. All that is good in us comes from God. From ourselves we only add evil: self-love, whims, sensuality, and sinful pride — and this every one of us must remember” (Hegumen Philaret, “Outline of the Law of God,” Moscow, 1990, p. 27).
Second Beatitude
“Blessed are those who not only grieve over their imperfection and unworthiness, but also weep over it. Thus, under mourning here is meant first of all spiritual mourning for sins and, in connection with this, for separation from the Kingdom of God. Moreover, among the ascetics of Christianity there were many filled with love and compassion who wept for other people — for their sins, falls, and sufferings. But in general it is not contrary to the spirit of the Holy Gospel to understand under those who mourn also all grieving and destitute people, if they accept their sorrow in a Christian way — humbly and submissively. They are truly blessed, for they will be comforted by the God of love” (Hegumen Philaret, “Outline of the Law of God,” Moscow, 1990, p. 28).
Third Beatitude
“A meek person never repays evil for evil, offense for offense, does not get angry, does not raise his voice against those who sin and offend: ‘He will not strive, nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice’ (Matthew 12:19). The meek ‘when reviled, did not revile in return; when suffering, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously’ (1 Peter 2:23). Here is the greatest example of meekness! Here is its essence” (Complete Works of Archpriest John Sergiev, vol. 1, p. 173).
Fourth Beatitude
“He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:21–24).
Fifth Beatitude
“What is most necessary for a sinful man? The mercy of God, not reckoning according to our sins, the continuation of God’s longsuffering toward us, the granting of yet more time for repentance, the very awakening of the soul to repentance, the forgiveness of sins, and in the end — mercy at the terrible Judgment of God. Therefore the Church, on our behalf, often says: ‘Lord, have mercy!’” (Complete Works of Archpriest John Sergiev, vol. 1, p. 189).
Sixth Beatitude
“Therefore it can be said that the pure in heart are people who are able to clearly see the reality of God’s presence, and who can proclaim together with the psalmist: ‘The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Psalm 27:1–4)” (Archpriest Thomas Hopko, Vilnius, 1991, p. 228).
Seventh Beatitude
“Have peace among yourselves” (Mark 9:50). “Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
Eighth Beatitude
“Love righteousness, my brothers, and hate unrighteousness or sin of every kind; speak the holy truth openly and boldly, and with meekness and patience reprove unrighteousness so that righteousness may reign as it should, and unrighteousness be put to shame and rooted out, and not lift its head high with insolence” (John of Kronstadt, “Conversations on the Beatitudes”).
Ninth Beatitude
“The exiles and martyrs for the name of Christ, amid all persecutions, sorrows, deprivations, and torments, triumphed over their persecutors, rejoiced as they went to cruel tortures. See how the Word of Christ strengthened them” (John of Kronstadt, “Conversations on the Beatitudes”).