
THE BEATITUDES – BLESSED
ReadÂing Time: 3 minutes IntroÂducÂtion The Beatitude is the first major disÂcourse delivered by Jesus as recorÂded in the GosÂpel accordÂing to MatÂthew (chapters 5–7; see also Luke 6:20–49). Beatitude is a state of supreme hapÂpiÂness. It could be likened to the Hindu and Buddhist Enlightenment/Nirvana, the beatitude that tranÂscends the cycle of reinÂcarnÂaÂtion, marked by the extincÂtion of desire, sufÂferÂing and indiÂviduÂal awareÂness. The beatitudes have been influÂenced by IsaiÂah 61, which menÂtions the poor in 61:1; comÂfort for mournÂers in 61:2; rightÂeousÂness in 61:3.8.11; healÂing of the…