The Poor in Spirit
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reading (Luke 12: 29-34)
Do not worry about what you have to eat or drink. Your Father knows what you need. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give to the poor. Make a purse for yourself that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, that no thief can steal or moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Song (Psalm 145)
The Lord is faithful in all his words,
And gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
And raises up all who are bowed down.The eyes of all look to you;
You give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
To all who call on him in truth.
Reflection
We are all poor creatures of the earth, but most do not know it. Only when we become aware of our poverty do we begin to understand how blessed we are.Of ourselves we are nothing. Our material possessions, since they have no real value, add nothing to our worth. What is of deepest concern to us - that our life be sustained and that we be loved - we cannot control. What is most important to us we cannot claim as our own. We are pitifully poor and utterly dependent on God.
Only when we acknowledge our poverty can we be open to the blessings God gives us. Only when we empty our heart of every other desire can we be filled with the treasure of God's grace. The arrogant do not need God. Those who are satisfied with what they have do not hunger for God. Many set their hearts on the seeming treasures of this life - money, pleasure, power - not knowing that these are empty and lead to nothing. Only the one who sets his heart on the kingdom of heaven will possess a lasting treasure.
Prayer
God our Father, you fill us with the blessings of your love. Teach us to recognize that the good things of the earth are intended for all to nourish us on the journey of this life. They are not the purpose of life and they are not a lasting treasure. May we empty ourselves of all attachments to material things, and set our hearts on your kingdom, where we hope to abide with you forever.