IT is a current theory that in the beatitudes Jesus intended to give formal and concise expression to his idea of the proper permanent ethical attitude of the "citizens" of the kingdom of heaven. A study of these sayings in the light of the writer's present understanding of Christian Science convinces him that this object, however prominent in the body of the Sermon on the Mount, is but secondary in the introduction to that discourse, the primary emphasis being placed on the glad tidings of the kingdom. Thus, the word "blessed" conveys felicitation alone in the first two of the beatitudes, and felicitation with growing commendation in those that follow. The opening thought of the Sermon on the Mount is similar to that of Luke iv. 18, 19, in that it deals with the promises of the kingdom of heaven, and from this the Master passes progressively to a presentation of its responsibilities and requirements, which is, indeed, in accordance with the usual method of his teaching.
The great Teacher begins: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Blessed are those who are emptied of materiality,—the spiritually receptive,—those who feel a poverty that mere worldly success and abundance cannot satisfy. Why blessed? Because to them this gospel opens the way to satisfactions commensurate to the needs they feel.
"Blessed are they that mourn." Why? Because they mourn? No! else the natural conclusion would be, for they shall continue to mourn. "For they shall be comforted." That is the blessing. Mourning is in itself no more a blessed condition or a commendable ethical attitude than is poverty, captivity, or blindness. Jesus is not offering a reward for mourning, nor even announcing a permanent ethical attitude of the kingdom. He is proclaiming good tidings to the poor, deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and comfort to those who mourn. Blessed? Yes! Why? Because the gospel offers relief from these untoward conditions.
