24th September

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. Psalm 41, 1

The spirit of poverty

"The sermon on the mountain" commonly points out the Lord Jesus speech which is reported at the beginning of Matthew's gospel. At the beginning of this speech we find the word "blessed" nine times. Every time this word concerns people who usually are not valorized.

The first "blessed" is for the poor in spirit. Who are they? Not those who are intellectually limited but those who are conscient of their spiritual destitution and who accept it. However, before God we cannot value anything; our only resource is to faithfully count on his own grace.

In the eyes of most of the people the outer signs of success such as fortune or social glamour are important. However, Jesus promises God's kingdom to them who are humble before him. They don't have any illusions about themselves or the world and they don't claim any authority; they put themselves under God's authority in his kingdom where the Lord is loved and respected.

At the moment this kingdom is hidden for the world, however it is outlined in his Church when the Church is humble and faithful. One day this kingdom will be established with power by the Lord Jesus after severe judgements. From now on let us be part of them who feel little and without rights in front of him but rich of his love.