Are the Beatitudes Self-Help?

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Though universally admired, the Beatitudes are often reduced to moral ideals or spiritual self-help. But Jesus is not describing abstract virtues—He is revealing Himself.

The Beatitudes are Christ’s own self-portrait. He is the meek, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemaker who suffers for the Kingdom. These are not behaviors we achieve on our own, but the fruits of union with Him. In receiving Jesus, we receive His life, His mercy, and His saving identity.