Living the Beatitudes 4 - Blessed Are those Who Hunger for Righteousness

The Beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6), is a profound call to spiritual longing and transformation. To truly understand this teaching, we must delve into its meaning, its implications for our lives, and the promise it holds for those who earnestly pursue it.

What Does it Mean to Hunger for Righteousness?

Hungering for righteousness goes far beyond obeying laws or seeking worldly justice. It calls us to cultivate a deep and sincere longing for God’s will, aligning our desires and actions with His divine purpose. The original Greek word used in this passage, dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη), can be translated as both "righteousness" and "justice." Thus, this Beatitude invites us to strive for a deeper union with God, making the Kingdom of Heaven the highest priority in our lives.

St. Gregory of Nyssa teaches that this hunger is not a yearning for material wealth, power, or worldly glory but a longing for "justice in the eyes of God, divine justice." This hunger for righteousness leads us to seek what is needed to be worthy of eternal life in God’s Kingdom.

The Path to Spiritual Hunger

Before we can hunger for righteousness, we must empty ourselves of the passions and worldly desires that distract us from God. This process begins with humility, meekness, and mourning over our sinful nature. Just as soil must be cleared of weeds to allow a seed to flourish, our souls must be cleared of distractions to make room for the desire for God to grow.

True spiritual hunger develops when we recognize the emptiness of worldly pursuits and begin to long for the fullness that only God can provide. St. Gregory emphasizes that Christ’s food—doing the will of the Father—must also become our nourishment (John 4:34). This means prioritizing God’s will in our lives through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, rather than seeking comfort, pleasure, or recognition.

The Virtues of Hunger and Thirst

When we hunger for righteousness, we begin to long for virtue. As St. Gregory explains, this desire encompasses all forms of virtue, including prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice. Our hunger for God’s justice and righteousness transforms our hearts, guiding us to align our choices with God’s commandments and His desire for our salvation.

The fleeting nature of worldly pleasures is compared to a “cask full of holes,” as described in the wisdom literature. These pursuits offer only temporary satisfaction and often leave us feeling empty. In contrast, the pursuit of virtue brings lasting joy and fulfillment, as the goodness we achieve becomes an enduring part of who we are.

The Promise of Fulfillment

One of the greatest promises of this Beatitude is that those who hunger for righteousness will be filled. This fulfillment is not fleeting or superficial but is a profound and lasting satisfaction that comes from communion with God. As we progress in virtues such as love, patience, and humility, we experience an abiding sense of peace and joy. St. Gregory assures us that this fulfillment is an ongoing process: “Let us hunger for the justice [righteousness] of God, that we may be filled with it, in Christ Jesus, our Lord, to whom be glory forever and ever.”

A Lifelong Pursuit

Hunger for righteousness is not a one-time achievement but a continual process of growth. As St. Paul writes, "Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on" (Philippians 3:12). This journey requires constant repentance and striving for holiness while recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses.

Conclusion: A Call to Spiritual Transformation

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” is an invitation to a life of deep spiritual desire and commitment to God’s will. It challenges us to reorient our desires, making the pursuit of God’s Kingdom the foremost priority in our lives. By emptying ourselves of worldly distractions, aligning with God’s will, and cultivating virtue, we find fulfillment in this life and prepare ourselves for eternal communion with God.

Let us strive to hunger for what is eternal, trusting that Christ will fill our souls with the nourishment that leads to everlasting joy and peace.