Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)
What’s the problem with being poor?
It is a life threatening condition. It’s the uncertainty, the insecurity of it – not knowing where your next meal is coming, nor where you’re going to sleep tonight, not being able to look after your own needs and the needs of your dependents. Relying upon someone or something else outside of our control.
And the shame – acknowledging one’s helplessness – to be looked down upon, pitied.
We see all this in the Greek word … Πτωχοὶ ptóchos: (of one who crouches and cowers, hence) beggarly, poor
Naturally, this is a terrible thing. Spiritually, it’s essential.
So many important principles fall into place when we accept this state:
- Our ability to forgive hangs on our need for forgiveness
- Letting go of Judgement
- Mercy, and especially,
- Recognising that we can never MERIT (deserve) heaven.
The Lord is the ALL IN ALL of heaven. From Heaven and Hell:
“THE DIVINE OF THE LORD MAKES HEAVEN
7. … it is the Divine proceeding from the Lord which inflows with the angels and is received by them, that makes heaven in general and in part. …
8. [A person] wills and does nothing good from himself; and he thinks and believes nothing of truth from himself; but from the Divine, thus from the Lord …
9. … there is but one fountain of life and that [a person’s] life is a stream therefrom, which, if it did not unceasingly come into existence from its fountain, would immediately flow away. …”
Reminds me of the letter to Laodicea:
“you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:7)
This is one of the most difficult ideas for us to comprehend when we are young. Such is our belief in ourselves, as independent, self-governing beings, as “GOOD”. Unfortunately we live in a world which is governed around the perceptions of youth, and stands in the way of enlightenment – and with it real joy and happiness. We are the biggest obstacles to our own happiness. But life has a way of teaching us the folly of our beliefs … AND THAT IS A BLESSING!
FINISHING … we read …
“… ‘blessing’ means the Lord’s presence and grace. … the Lord is present only in charity, … The Lord is present with everyone, but as is a person’s distance from charity, so is the degree of the Lord’s presence.” (Heavenly Secrets, 981)
Recorded on Sunday 4 February 2024
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