Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God, Matthew 5:8.
If you were reading this passage in the Greek of the first century, you would find our English word, pure, to be translated by katheros, which could be defined in three ways.
- The first possible meaning is clean. This is the word that you would use for clothing that you have just washed and cleaned. Or of a newly washed dish that is pristine with no leftover food on it.
- The second meaning is wheat that has been winnowed or sifted, cleaned of all the chaff or husks that used to cover it. It can also be used of an army that has been purged of all the discontented, cowardly, or indifferent soldiers. Leaving a fighting force composed solely of first-class soldiers.
- A third meaning commonly appears in company with akēratos. Akēratos can be used of milk or wine which is unadulterated with water, or of metal which has no tinge of alloy. So, the basic meaning of katharos is unmixed, unadulterated, unalloyed. That is why this beatitude is so demanding a beatitude. It could be translated:
Purity of heart is demanding in what it asks of us. Here are some ways you can find this “purity” exerting its influence over us.
- The pure of heart avoids doing good deeds for the sake of what others will pay back to him or her in praise, wealth, position, or manipulation.
- The pure of heart does not pretend to be someone s/he is not.
- The pure of heart cultivates a rich thought-life by practicing reading and meditation that drives out impurity.
- The pure of heart does not give negative, corrupting thoughts a home.
In short, the Pure in Heart is an easy companion to have around. They foster trust in others, and they bring a pleasant air to those who know them – extraordinary in their transparency and integrity. These are the people who have the vision that enables them to see God.
Prayer:
God our Father, help us to think and see as you do. May we cultivate a life lived in and through your spirit rather than the spirit of the age. May our hearts be pure, free of guile and ill will. In Jesus’ name we pray this. Amen.