Day 46 (7th Thursday of the Holy Great Fast)
“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.” (Ps 119:2-3)
“Beatitude… is translated now as ‘blessed’ and means ‘supreme blessedness or extreme happiness.’ The Orthodox Study Bible tells us that the word ‘blessed’ ‘indicates heavenly, spiritual exaltation rather than earthly happiness or prosperity.’ There are nine specific beatitudes in the [Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:1-12)] and it should be noted that nine is three times three, so it is a trinity of trinities and thus symbolic of perfection and fulfillment. Some commentators note that Jesus is presenting a new law that fulfills and completes the old Law summarized in the Decalogue/Ten Commandments.
First, Jesus says that the ‘poor in spirit’ are blessed
(v.3) and that the kingdom of heaven will be theirs. A Church Father says that ‘poor in spirit’ is when one has repented and become humbled like a child. If we have ever been materially poor or destitute, we know how vulnerable, needful and helpless we can feel. We are extremely dependent on the generosity of others and especially God, very thankful whenever assistance comes our way. This is the attitude of being ‘poor in spirit.’
Second, mourning (v.4) is sadness that results from several sources: our own suffering, the suffering of others, the state of the world, and our own sinfulness. According to St. John Chrysostom, this fourth type-mourning over our sins--is truly what the Evangelist Matthew is talking about. This type of sorrow leads to repentance, conversion, and virtuous action. It is contrasted with ungodly sorrow that leads to despair, hopelessness and inaction. Jesus promises that we will be comforted if our mourning is appropriate.
Third, blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth (v.5). Meekness is an attitude of being content with both honour and dishonour. It is an imitation of Christ, who said, ‘Learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart’ (Matt 11:29). The meek are God-controlled and have mastery over their passions, especially anger. However, meekness is not passive weakness, rather it is strength directed and under control. The ‘earth’ that the meek will inherit is not power or possession in this world, but the new earth, which is everlasting (Rev 21:1).”
Fr Rick