Spiritual Poverty

Matthew 5:1-3 (NRSV): Spiritual Poverty

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.  Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Material poverty is often a byproduct of socio-economic injustice and is not something we desire. Poverty, moreover, connotes suffering. Why, then, does Jesus emphasize spiritual poverty as the first of his beatitudes?

When we think about being blessed, we normally associate that condition with success. For instance, when asked how we are, if things are good, we say, “I am blessed.” And this state of blessedness is often associated with our good standing in the world -- good health, financial stability, and happiness. There is nothing wrong with seeking these three blessings. However, the problem arises when we substitute our worldly blessings for our dependence upon God.

Spiritual poverty, on the other hand, means that we shirk any self-merited approach to God’s love. Our blessings come from no one but God. We must empty ourselves from a self-aggrandizing spirituality in order to be spiritually poor. When we do this, we open ourselves to receive God’s love. And in receiving his love, we become conduits of that love to others.

Heavenly Father, please grant us the grace to empty ourselves so we can fill ourselves with your love. And in true blessedness, which comes only from you, let us serve those around us with joy and purpose. In Jesus Christ we pray, amen.

Have a blessed week!

Stan