The Beatitudes as Acts of the Virtues in Aquinas' Lectura on Matthew

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the relevance of the commentary for understanding Aquinas’ theology in general, and that of the beatitudes in particular. It does so by discussing the use of the concept ‘beatitudo’ in the commentary, and by studying in detail Aquinas’ remarks on merit, law, and reward, in relation to the beatitudes. This leads to the conclusion that the commentary can help us to clarify certain themes, as well as to understand the context and development of Aquinas’ theology. The beatitudes are a central theme in Aquinas’ treatment of human happiness, and the commentary on the gospel of Matthew is a highly relevant source for studying Aquinas’ thought on this Biblical concept.