Article May 9, 1936 Issue

The Beatitudes

WINIFRED B. ALWYN

Many who have no immediate need for the healing of grief caused by bereavement or other afflictive circumstances may be tempted to pass by the beatitude, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted," as not touching their experience. Jesus, however, included it in his famous discourse, and it is generally accepted that his teachings are intended for all who are receptive.

The Master designated as "blessed" states of thought which are necessary for human progress, and each beatitude shows the spiritual reward resulting from improved thinking. While it is not difficult to see that to be meek, merciful, and pure is to attain to blessed states of thought, it is more difficult, perhaps, to see any blessedness in mourning. At this point we may ask ourselves whether Jesus, whose work it was to heal all manner of evil, including grief, would be likely to regard unhappiness as a virtue to be rewarded, or whether he had some deeper lesson to teach.

Though each beatitude may stand alone, we may assume that Jesus had a definite purpose in giving them together; and an examination shows each state of thought to be naturally associated with the others. The first beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven," points to the need for spiritual receptivity on the part of the individual who turns to Truth—willingness to receive without prejudice, as a hungry man will accept bread without questioning the giver. The receptive, unprejudiced type of individual stands at the threshold of the kingdom of heaven, and progresses into it as far as he sees the way.

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