Which Beatitude begins the list in Matthew's Gospel?

• A. Blessed are the poor in spirit.
• B. Blessed are the meek.
• C. Blessed are those who mourn.
• D. Blessed are the merciful.

Answer: (A)

The opening Beatitude in Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount is “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and that is the first line of the list. It sets the tone by highlighting humility and spiritual dependence on God as the entry point into the kingdom of heaven. The other examples—meek, those who mourn, the merciful—are part of the same sequence, but they appear later. Understanding “poor in spirit” means recognizing one’s spiritual need before God, not trusting in worldly status or power. So, the option that begins with “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is the correct one.