Wonder not if you do not hear "the kingdom" mentioned under each beatitude; for in saying "shall be comforted, shall find mercy" and the rest, in all these the kingdom of heaven is tacitly understood, so that you must not look for any of the things of sense.
For indeed he would not be blessed who was to be crowned with those things which depart with this life.
-- St. John Chrysostom
These were their desires, for which they "left all and followed;" teaching us thereby that none can possess earthly things and perfectly attain to heavenly things.
-- Pseudo-Dionysius
Here we find two similar instructions on obtaining the kingdom of heaven. St. John Chrysostom tells us not to allow material goods or physical attachments to "crown" us, or occupy and direct our will. With these attachments, we shall not be "blessed." Pseudo-Dionysius teaches that we must walk away from and overcome our attachment (possession) of earthly things as a precondition to attain heavenly things. Pseudo-Dionysius tells us to leave our attachments, and St. John Chrysostom counsels to never look for them again. Then, we shall attain the kingdom and be blessed through the crowning of heavenly things. And how highly shall we value that which confers blessedness?
Whatever confers blessedness, that is the chief good.
--St. Augustine
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