In the Gospel writings, the Beatitudes introduce the teachings of Jesus and are traditionally considered to contain the most concise summary of the spiritual life of man. It is the clear teaching of the Gospel and the Church that one enters into the mysteries of Christ and the Kingdom of God only by way of following the Lord’s teachings in the beatitudes.

Today, let's reread the Beatitudes by having in mind the following words of St. Nerses Shnorhali: "As an artist imparts the beauty of painting to his student through the sizes and shapes, in the same way Jesus, who wanted to change our souls and make them godlike, through various colors and shades of the Beatitudes teaches us how to paint His beautiful image within us.”

Matthew 5:3-12

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[a] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.