A Brief Look at

the Question on
the Beatitudes
We cannot engage
in an in-depth
study of this
question, it is
simply a general
outline, to whet
your appetite.
St.Thomas,
beginsby
distinguishing
Beatitudes
fromthe
Virtuesand
theGifts,while
showingtheir
coordination
 * We can move
toward beatitude
through the acts
of the virtues
and gifts: these
acts are the
beatitudes.

* It is based on
the relationship
between MERIT
and REWARD
 MERIT

Proceeds
essentially
from charity
and the Holy
Spirit
 REWARDS
Promised in the
Beatitudes come
to us already in
this life, as both
a beginning of
blessedness and
a preparation for
it
 The detailed
explanation of the
Beatitudes describes
the actions which they
either disparage o
recommend, ordered
according to the
distinction of the three
kinds of life:
 Three kinds of life:
Life of pleasure
Active life
Contemplative life

It shows the different ways in which the

beatitude may be accomplished, whether
according to rational measure of virtue or
according to the inspiration of the gifts.
St. Thomas explained
the rewards of
beatitudes by showing
how each one fulfills,
on a higher plane.

Example: When the poor

realize the spiritual
riches to be found in
God, not on the earthly
goods.
St. Thomas really
wanted to include his
entire moral teaching
in this question on the
beatitudes, to show the
summit in the
fulfillment of the
Beatitudes, so as to
place everything under
the aegis of the Word
of the Lord, which
considers to be the
Teacher par excellence.
 Beatitudes, Fruits of the
Virtues and Gifts

Virtue commands in
accordance with the measure
of reason.
Gift inspire in accordance
with the higher measure of
the Holy Spirit.
 FirstBeatitudevirtue
teachesustouse
externalgoodsin
moderation,according
toourneedofthem,
butgiftoftheSpirit
goesfurtherand
wouldhaveusto
scornmaterialgoods
entirely,soasto
detachourheartfrom
themwithoutreserve.
 Second Beatitude, virtue moves us to control
the irascible appetites with due reason, and
the gift of Spirit keeps the soul tranquil in
the face of even the greatest danger.

Third Beatitude deals, virtue would lead us

to use these movements of sensibility with
due measure, while gift detaches us from
them. Like wise Spirit causes us to give
each one his due in justice and mercy .
 The source of
beatitude is within the
person, in place where
the virtue is formed in
the light of reason
illuminated by the Word
of Christ, and where the
Holy Spirit is at work in
its depths, inspiring the
most personal and
noble act.
 Beatitudes he fruits of the Holy
Spirit as enumerated by St Paul
in his letter to the Galatians:
1. Charity, the prime source of beatitude.
2. Joy, serves to define beatitude as joy in
the truth
3. Peace, renders it perfect.
It is the image of a lifes work which has
reached its maturity.

Beatitude is one of the most beautiful

fruits of his theological genius,
nourished by the Gospel and the
reflection of the Fathers of the Church.

it is a central path directing our entire

life to God as to our blessedness .
Thank You!