Saint Jerome (347-420)
priest, translator of the Bible, Doctor of the Church
Commentary on St Matthew 5:5-12, Volume 1 p.76-77 Translation Thomas P. Sheck
Seeking Blessedness
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled.” The mourning recorded here is not the mourning of those who have died in accordance with the common law of nature, but the mourning over those who have died in their sins and vices.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.” It does not suffice for us to want justice, if we do not experience a hunger for justice. Thus from this example we should understand that we are never sufficiently just, but it is always necessary to hunger for works of justice.
“Blessed are the merciful.” Mercy is understood not only in almsgiving but in every sin of a brother. For we are to carry the burdens of one another.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” He is not referring to those who have no consciousness of sin. A pure man is conspicuous for his pure heart; the temple of God cannot be polluted.
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” This refers to those who make peace, first in their own heart, then among dissenting brothers. For what use is it when others are pacified through you, if within your own heart there are wars of vices going on?
“Blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice.” He has expressly added: “for the sake of justice.” For many suffer persecution on account of their sins, and they are not just.
“Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and falsely say all manner of evil against you.” This kind of reviling is to be despised and produces blessedness, because it is brought forth from the lying mouth of a reviler….So then, when Christ is its cause, reviling should be wished for.
“Rejoice and exult.” I do not know who among us can fulfill these words, that when our reputation is torn to pieces by abusive speech, we should exult in the Lord. He who pursues empty fame cannot fulfill this. Therefore, we ought to rejoice and exult, so that a reward may be prepared for us in heaven.
“Do not seek glory, and you will not grieve when you are without glory.