Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NABRE
Those who are poor in spirit are those who empty themselves of all attachments, empty their heart of all things they love, empty their mind of all attachments to intellectual pursuits or challenges, empty their ego so they have no prideful, or socially grand ideas that will only be a distraction. The poor in spirit empty themselves of these things so that they can be filled with the Spirit of God more fully. They are completely empty so that God can come and fill them up. Every place that stores love, attachments, ego, are so empty that only God is in these places. It is a poverty that allows complete dependence on God. It is a detachment from self-will and putting ourselves first. It does not mean we cannot have things, love, or pursuits, it means we can easily drop them to do whatever God may ask of us. In order for the heart to be completely taken over by the Spirit it needs to be utterly poor, uncluttered, available and open. The most meager of riches becomes an obstacle. We can learn from the materially and economically poor who naturally have nothing that takes their attention and focus. When we have contact with them we should give thanks, they can be our teachers. To be blessed in this manner takes grace.
We are blessed not because we are poor of spirit, or without worldly things that take our desire or attention or love, but we are blessed because we have the kingdom of heaven. A place where all obey God, God’s will is done completely and we are in communion with every other person in the kingdom of heaven. It is a place of love. There is no greater happiness than to be blessed as Jesus teaches.
Are their things that you love more than God? Can you let go of all around you?
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