Gospel of Matthew, chapter 15:3

Poor in spirit is that child-like quality of humility that recognizes our own limitations and the need for God in our lives. It is not an inferiority complex for it is the truth. Thus the poor in spirit are blessed because they know that their lives are empty without God; and that the riches of this world cannot satisfy the yearnings of their spirits.

The cynic might protest:
“What good is there in being poor in spirit? It doesn’t get you anywhere.”

Well, it all depends on what you mean by ‘anywhere’. It will not get you anywhere in this selfish world, but it will benefit you where it really matters; and that is spiritually in the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit know well that God cannot satisfy someone who thinks he is full already! And they realize how sad it would be to discover that your life is full of illusions instead of full of truth!

Being poor in spirit means being empty and knowing it. It means being full of possibilities and being grateful to God. It means knowing that you are so small and dependent and unconverted and needy that you ought to live with open hands and an open heart waiting to be filled. For only then can you be healed when you know that you need healing.

Being poor in spirit means that nothing ever has to happen right away. There is always time for waiting and growth for those who are spiritually poor. It means being patient, because God is not finished with you yet.

Being poor in spirit frees you from the prison of conformity and self-righteousness that enslaves the soul like the haughty Pharisee in the gospel of Luke, chapter eighteen, who despised the humble Publican. It means being a child of God; being free and open to experience His grace in your life.

This beatitude is best exemplified by the spirit of Jesus who, though He was the Son of God, came to serve and not to be served.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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