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What it means to be Poor in Spirit
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
“There are many who give themselves up to prayer and works of zeal, who impose on themselves innumerable privations and mortifications, but who, if one single word is said injurious to their good name, or if they are deprived of the smallest thing, begin at once to trouble themselves to take scandal. These are not poor in spirit.” (Saint Francis of Assisi)
Introduction
I really like the above quote by Saint Francis of Assisi.
It captures very well the concept that it is easier to pray a lot, partake in good works (i.e. works of zeal) and even to do penance (i.e. fasting, self-denial) as opposed to enduring some hardship for the Lord.
And indeed, it is the latter that is more valuable the sight of the Lord.
Why is this so?
The temptation of spiritual pride
When one leads a ‘good life’ so to speak, it is very easy to fall into the trap of spiritual pride.
Let us now consider the story that Jesus himself told:
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The…
