By Stanislaus Alla
New Delhi, November 2, 2026: Imagine someone greeting “Congratulations” to the poor, the hungry, the needy and the suffering! Outright, it will surprise many and even shock some. Also, will the poor, the hungry and all the others mentioned in the Beatitudes be comforted by this greeting?
The Beatitudes, a portion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–12), can be easily described as the heart of the Gospel. It is one of the most globally known passages in the Bible, liked by almost all. Clarity and simplicity make it stunningly appealing and intelligible.
Hundreds of scholars have written on the meaning and significance of the Beatitudes. In the last two millennia, millions of Christians may have memorized those lines. The assurances that flow from them have nourished and strengthened their faith.
The moment one recalls the Beatitudes, the words that come to mind are “happy” or “blessed.” Depending on the translation, each Beatitude opens with one of them.
More than 15 years ago, I was privileged to meet Nicholas King, a Jesuit from the British Province who taught at Oxford and Boston College, and our conversation turned to his translation of the New Testament.
His work’s subtitle, “Freshly Translated with a Cutting-Edge Commentary,” truly captures his purpose. That King chose “Congratulations” instead of “blessed” or “happy” in translating the Beatitudes was astonishing.
“Congratulations” struck and remained with me, even though I did not understand clearly why King chose it and what it implied. While “blessed” and “happy” are wonderful options, it is a worthwhile exercise to know how “congratulations” can instruct and inspire us.
Keeping in mind various Gospel narratives, it is pertinent to recall what sorts of people usually gather around Jesus, including those who may have come to the Mount to listen to him.
In the crowd, there would have been many who were poor, who were mourning, who were meek, who longed for righteousness, those clean of heart, the peacemakers, etc. Perhaps they longed to be understood and comforted but did not find anyone to do so.
What could “Congratulations” mean to them? It is obvious that they were not the winners in the world. They were struggling, misunderstood, insulted, ridiculed and persecuted, and hardly anyone recognized them or affirmed that they were living worthwhile lives.
Usually, the winners are recognized, appreciated and awarded. That is the way of the world. Those who are lost, who are defeated, who are left behind are quickly ignored or forgotten. Imagine Jesus congratulating them—the lost, the defeated, those who have no one to share their stories with.
Also, it is important to recall that Jesus is known to shock and surprise the audience. Several parables illustrate this. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, he leaves out the robbers and discusses the responsibilities of a priest and a Levite.
In another, shockingly, the master pays the workers who joined at the last hour more than their due. Possibly, by saying “Congratulations,” Jesus wanted to shock those who gathered on the mountain.
Obviously, there is little to be congratulated for if one is poor (when poverty is understood as destitution; however, living humbly with modest means and relying on God, rather than on wealth, has immense value) or experiencing pain or struggles or being persecuted.
One key to interpreting this paradox is here: those who were struggling and suffering and being persecuted need not have come to Jesus at all. They could have remained lonely or wandered about cursing God or dragged on with their otherwise meaningless lives.
Yet, they chose to come to Jesus, to listen to Jesus, hoping that his words would nourish and strengthen them. They are the ones who are not far from the kingdom.
Their choice makes a statement that is urgently needed today: that all is not lost and the powers of darkness can be faced and defeated. Looking at today’s world, it is easy to be discouraged and give in to despair.
When others think that you are crazy, you are willing to stand with those whose dignity, rights and freedoms are taken away—to be able to stand up, to speak up and to be ready to make the needed sacrifices. Such choices need and deserve congratulations.
Saints and martyrs could be easily imagined as those who trusted the Lord in an extraordinary way. They were like those who were willing to come to the Mount, listen to Jesus and let the Lord take the reins of their lives.
Today, Christians also face this option: to be indifferent to the world’s affairs, to be drowned by fears and worries, or to choose to be with Christ, trusting that the Lord will empower, heal and free us all. From the Mount comes hope, light and life.
Jesuit Father Stanislaus Alla holds a doctorate from Boston College. An internationally published writer specializing in ethics, he currently teaches at Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi.
(Photo supplied)