Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” vs. 3
Matthew 5:1-6
On this All Saints Sunday we’ll be remembering in a formal way all those we’ve been thinking about this week. Many of those loved departed ones will be mentioned during prayers–sometimes their names will be printed in the bulletin or appear on a screen. They are the saints of our hearts, and not necessarily of the stained glass variety. Of course some of them will have had deep and profound faith–but not all. The first people Jesus mentions in his beatitudes are the poor in spirit, and that opens the door for a whole variety of folks. We can’t be exactly sure what he meant by “poor in spirit,” but it could be he was thinking of those who have never been able to get their spiritual houses in order. We all know people like that–and maybe that’s how we’re feeling too. We see believers in our congregations and families who seemingly have it all together. Doubt is an infrequent visitor, and their trust is unshakable. That’s a wonderful thing, and such people really are an inspiration. But the truth is that a lot of us really struggle with issues of faith and many experience what can be called “spiritual poverty.” If Jesus called such persons blessed, well, that leaves hope for us all. Even the rascals among us have a place in the kingdom! Nobody gets left behind!
Thought for the Day: What is spiritual poverty?
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