What if we conducted an ultrasound test on Jesus' Heart?
The Beatitudes would be the result of Jesus’ heart ultrasound, providing insight into what lies within. To truly follow Jesus, we must reproduce His sentiments and basic attitudes in our hearts. The Beatitudes are, also, the response to humanity's natural longing for happiness, a desire that God has placed in every human heart to draw us closer to the One who can truly fulfill it.
Once we recognize that beatitude (i.e., heaven, everlasting happiness) is the ultimate goal of humanity, the next question arises: "What are the means to achieve it?" or "How do I fit into this picture?" Specifically, we must consider which human goods to pursue and which actions to perform to reach this end.
The answer lies in living out all the moral implications of the Christian faith, explicitly and consciously (with the help of God's grace), to achieve integral fulfillment in Christ and thereby attain goodness. Therefore, true happiness for humanity lies in self-fulfillment and the attainment of the purpose for which we are created. Our happiness is directly connected to our sense of responsibility in fulfilling God's Will and achieving goodness.
The Beatitudes are precisely the "modes of Christian response" and are accompanied by their corresponding virtues.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This calls for us to expect and accept all good things, including the fruits of our labor, as gifts from God. The virtue associated with this is humility, which enables us to cooperate with God.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Accept God's will; be a team player on God's team. Accept your limited role in the body of Christ and fulfill it. The related virtue is meekness, to accept and embrace one's mission in life or vocation.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Put aside or avoid whatever is not necessary or useful in fulfilling your vocation. The related virtue is detachment.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Endure fearlessly whatever is necessary or useful in the fulfillment of your vocation. The related virtues are endurance in the struggle, faithfulness, and courage.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Do not judge persons according to your feelings. The related virtues are fairness and forgiveness.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Strive to conform your whole self to a living faith, and recognize and purge anything that does not meet this standard. The related virtue is purity of heart.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Respond to evil with good, not with resistance, much less with destructive action. The related virtue is that of the rebuilders of damaged relationships.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’s sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Do no evil that good might come of it, but suffer evil together with Jesus in cooperation with God's redeeming love. The related virtue is doing good even though it may produce hatred.
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