Word of Life

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Mat. 5: 3)

Jesus had just begun his public life. He was calling people to conversion, proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand, healing every kind of sickness and infirmity. Crowds had begun to follow him. He climbed the hillside and, speaking to the people gathered round him, he outlined his programme for living; it is what we call the "Sermon on the Mount".

Jesus' new approach is clear from his very first words. He proclaims as blessed not those who are rich, powerful and influential, but those who are poor, humble, small, pure of heart, those who weep and are oppressed.

This completely overturns the usual way of thinking, especially in our society that often exalts consumerism, hedonism, prestige... It is the 'good news' brought by Jesus, which gives joy and hope to the least and brings trust in the love of God who is close to those going through times of trial and suffering. This proclamation of joy and salvation is already completely summed up in the first of the Eight Beatitudes that ensures the kingdom of heaven to the poor in spirit:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

But what does 'poor in spirit' mean? It means to be detached from goods and possessions, from other people and from ourselves... In a word, it means to set aside from our heart all that stops us being open to God by doing His will and being open to our neighbours by making ourselves one with them, so as to love each neighbour as we should.

It means being ready to leave everything: father, mother, 'fields' and country, if that is what God asks of us.

To be 'poor in spirit' means to put our trust not in wealth but in the love of God and His providence. Often we are 'rich' in worries about our health, concerns for our loved ones, apprehension about a job, uncertainties about how to act in some situation, fears for the future... All this can block us and close us in ourselves, preventing us from being open to God and our brothers and sisters. But it is in precisely these moments of uncertainty that the 'poor in spirit' believe in the love of God, cast every worry on him, and experience the love of our Father.

We are 'poor in spirit' when we allow ourselves to be guided by love for others. Then we share with those in need and put at their disposal whatever we have: a smile, our time, our goods, our abilities. Once we have given everything, out of love, we are poor, that is, we are empty, nothing, free, with a pure heart.

This poverty, which is the fruit of love, becomes in its turn the source of love: because we are empty of ourselves, and therefore free, we are able to welcome the will of God fully, without reservation, and to welcome every sister or brother we meet.

To those who live this purity of heart and this poverty of spirit Jesus guarantees the kingdom of heaven: they are blessed, "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".

The kingdom of heaven cannot be bought with money and cannot be conquered with power. It comes as a gift. For this reason Jesus asks us to be like children, or like the poor who, just like children, need to receive everything from others. And the Holy Spirit, who is attracted by that emptiness of love, can fill our soul because he finds no obstacles that prevent full communion. Those who are 'poor in spirit', because they have not kept anything for themselves, have everything. They are poor of themselves and rich in God. Here too the Gospel word 'give, and it will be given to you' applies. (Luke 6:38) We give what we have and we are given nothing less than the kingdom of heaven.

Here is the experience of a mother in Argentina:

"My mother-in-law was very fond of her son, my husband, so much so that she was jealous of me. This attitude always created problems between us and hardened my heart towards her.

"A year ago she was diagnosed with cancer. Her only daughter was unable to give her the treatment and care she needed. The words of the Gospel, which I had for some time been trying to live, changed my heart. I was learning to love. Overcoming my misgivings, I asked my mother-in-law to come and stay with us. I began to see her with new eyes and to love her. It was Jesus I was helping and seeing in her.

"She was not indifferent to this love. To my great surprise she responded to all that I did with a similar love. The grace of God worked the miracle of reciprocity! Some very demanding months went by, but they were no burden to me; and when my mother-in-law went peacefully to heaven, a sense of peace remained with us all.

"A few days later I realised I was expecting the baby that we had been wanting for nine years! This child is a tangible sign of God's overflowing love."