During periods in our lives, we experience loss – the death of parents, the ending of a
friendship, a sadness that our planet is suffering with the climate crisis, the feeling of
powerlessness in coping with what seems to be unsolvable dilemmas.
We hear Jesus saying “Blessed are they who mourn. Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Some
say, “O how blessed are you when…“ Does Jesus not mean, “O how blessed are you when
you are empty, open to receive the Spirit of God in your life right now.” St. Paul exclaims
“It is when I am weak that is when I become strong.” Why? It is in the experience of my
weakness that I can be more open to invite God into my life. It takes a faith that trusts
that God is there not only to comfort but to enable me to move on with new strength that
I did not know I possessed. I receive God’s love and a faith that “can move mountains.”
Jesus shows us the way by allowing us to become vulnerable even in a society that leaves
little room for this kind of weakness and puts an emphasis on hard work and success. It
says to us,” What could be honorable in being poor?” It is in being poor in spirit that God
can act to bring about the kingdom of God on earth. O how blessed are we!
- Have you experienced that poverty that Jesus referred to in the Beatitudes?
- What happens when you become vulnerable in your prayer life?
- Have you been able to console others in times of hardship and doubt?
O God, help me to be poor in Spirit.