I have struggled to understand this beatitude. Perhaps we can become “poor in spirit” over time. Experiencing difficulties in our lives and in lives of others in our human family, we learn that we are not in control of everything that happens. We begin to notice goodness and realize it is given to us; it did not belong to us. We feel real gratitude for what we may have taken for granted—health, nutritious food, loved ones, a home.
We may have seen these as “just normal” until we have some loss or see others who experience their lack. Then we learn they are real gifts, blessings from God.
Ken...I'm responding to your comments from yesterday about your Church merging with another. At Mass in Albion on Friday, our Priest informed us that it had just been announced that 15 Churches in Buffalo would be closed. Our Church is one of 4 Churches that the 2 Priests travel back and forth to ~ Albion, Barker, Holley and Medina. We each maintain our own Church name (I go to Holy Family) but the Bulletins while they are specific to each Parish, go under the title of "One Catholic" Community. We were told that by September 1st the Diocese of Buffalo would announce even more closings, mergers and sale of properties. I have no doubt my childhood Church in Batavia, St. Mary's, will be one of the Churches closed. This is a heartbreaking statement on the lack of vocations and The Church today. And, please know I have Kimberley tucked tight in my prayers, as I do ALL of our Living Faith Family and their immediate prayer petitions. God Bless Us All And All Who We Love.
Amen... may the Lord continue to bless each and every one of us
A beautiful reflection today, Patricia. I pray for all the goodness in my life and God's grace to get through the difficult times. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.....Amen. Continued uplifting prayers for all LF family. Have a great week!
Jesus is our example of “poor in spirit” in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “You know the grace shown by our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though He was rich, He became poor to help you. Because He became poor, you can become rich!” Here is how Paul described what “poor in spirit” looks like *** 2 Corinthians 6:10, “We are sad, but we are always full of joy. We are poor, but we make many people rich. We have nothing, but we own everything!” *** Philippians 4:11-12, “I’m not saying this because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. I know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough!” *** All (good, bad and ugly) that we did go, are going and will go through makes us more like Jesus, hence Christians in Romans 8:28-30, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with His purpose. God planned that those He had chosen would become like his Son. In that way, Christ will be the first and most honored among many brothers and sisters. And those God has planned for, Hr has also appointed to be saved. Those He has appointed, He has made right with Himself. To those Hr has made right with Himself, He has given his glory!” ******* Therefore, Matthew 6:31-34, “So don’t worry. Don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ Or, ‘What will we drink?’ Or, ‘What will we wear?’ People who are ungodly run after all those things. Your Father Who is in heaven knows that you need them. But put God’s kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own!” Amen ♥️✝️♥️
Shoulders by for King n Country https://youtu.be/TfiYWaeAcRw?si=5Ck64T1vWnSZ9Q6W
Patricia thank you for your encouragement. It's sometimes hard to see the good in the everyday and that is very important to remember. I thank God for guiding me each and everyday. Blessings to all the LFF especially those needing an extra hand in their lives these days and may we all go out and spread the love of God through the world.
Amen! So thankful to have been blessed in many ways.
Thank you Patricia. Your words remind me that we can feel God’s presence in holy moments we create along the way. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful devotions with us. Lifting Karen today. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
I have been so blessed! I know it is from the goodness of God. May we all know His goodness.
Thank you, Patricia! This touched me. So, true are your words!
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." Thank you God!
Amen...
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I agree with Patricia that this is a difficult beatitude to understand. It helped me to look at the opposite first; Rich in Spirit. What comes to mind are the activities one might think are their ticket to heaven or what they perceive as selfless acts of kindness when it’s about them. Poor in this context is not necessarily about money, but as Patricia says once we realize that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God that he is lending to us while we are on this earth we are better equipped to show our sincere gratitude to God.