Jan 30: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Cosimo Rosselli, with Piero di Cosimo:
The Sermon on the Mount (detail)
Cappella Sistina, The Vatican, 1480’s

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (NRSV, Mt 5:3).”

Father, your evangelist Luke expresses more profoundly than the other gospel writers Jesus’ concern for those economically deprived. In his infancy narrative, it is poor shepherds who are there to greet their newborn messiah. In his great sermon, Jesus blesses those who are poor: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

In Matthew, this same sermon, echoing the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, is preached on the holy mountain. Is it the same mountain in Galilee on which the risen Jesus, in Matthew, commissions his apostles to go forth and to preach the good news and to baptize? In his sermon on the mount, as Matthew has it, Jesus blesses not the economically poor but the poor in spirit: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

To be economically poor, Lord, is something over which we often have little control. To be poor in spirit, on the other hand, is a response that all of us can make in the presence of your Word always challenging us to accept a share in your divine life. To be poor in spirit is to acknowledge that, of all that we have and of all that we are, nothing comes from us. Everything that we have, indeed our very being itself, is received. All is gift. Of ourselves we can do nothing. We are nothing.

Once, Lord, that we recognize our nothingness, once we empty ourselves of all claim on anything, then we are ready to receive the gift of life from you, not only physical life but a participation, as well, in your divine life. Once we become poor in spirit, we are open to becoming divine beings, filled with great power. Even physical death, often so terrifying, to many the ultimate evil, can become for us an hour of glory.

In Luke’s gospel, Father, Jesus blesses the economically poor. There should be no greater concern for those who have become poor in spirit than to come to the assistance of those who are economically disadvantaged and in need. May true and effective compassion for the poor be a sign for us, Lord, of your life and power given to us.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.