ISB ~ Luke 6 v20

Blessed:God’s children receive his blessing for their faith and adherence to his Law (11:28; Ps 1:1-2; Gal 3:9).

See word study:Blessed at Mt 5:3.

poor:This may denote material poverty defined by social or economic conditions as well as spiritual poverty defined by inward detachment. Note, however, that even the materially poor can be attached to the little they own, as even the wealthy can live in poverty of spirit (CCC 2444, 2546).See note on Mt 5:3.

• Morally (St. Ambrose, In Lucam): the Lucan Beatitudes reflect the four cardinal virtues. The poor exhibit temperance as they shun the vain and excessive pleasures of the world. The hungry display justice as they share the plight of the lowly and give to those who have little. Those who weep exercise prudence as they lament the vanity of temporal things and look to what is eternal. Those hated by men exercise fortitude because they persevere when persecuted for their faith (CCC 1805-9).