“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The eighth Beatitude returns to the present tense of the first: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom that belongs to the poor in spirit is the same kingdom that belongs to those who suffer for righteousness. The inclusion of persecution in the Beatitudes communicates that the kingdom's arrival creates opposition: those who embody the kingdom's values in a world organized around different values will face resistance. Acts 5:41 records the disciples rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. The persecution is for righteousness' sake — not any suffering, but suffering specifically because one belongs to the kingdom and lives by its values.
Church Fathers on Matthew 5:10
'Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake,' that is for virtue, for defending others, for piety, for all these things are spoken of under the title of righteousness. This follows the beatitude upon the peacemakers, that we may not be led to suppose that it is good to seek peace at all times.
When peace is once firmly established within, whatever persecutions he who has been cast without raises, or carries on, he increases that glory which is in the sight of God.
'For righteousness' sake' He adds expressly, for many suffer persecution for their sins, and are not therefore righteous. Likewise consider how the eighth beatitude of the true circumcision is terminated by martyrdom. [margin note: vid. Phil. 3:2-3]
Read all 9 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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