Blessed Ye Poor

(Lk. 6:20)

Jesus said: “Blessed are ye poor for yours is the kingdom of heaven.” The word “blessed” connotes being happy or fulfilled. Hence we can say that the poorer people are happier people, I mean those who are not enslaved to riches because they trust in a greater Provider-God (cf. Lk. 21:1). These are the people who really work for serving God, family and friends, not with the intent for profit. Maybe so, till they are tempted by the materialists, whose view of life is colored by their craving for riches.

You can see the proof of God’s sayings, that they are telling no lie nor making any mistakes. Try looking around at the conditions of our world. Who are those who kill and maim? These are the greedy ones who cover up their wrongdoings with so much rationalization as if it were not wrong any more. There was also a survey on ten millionaires. Result: nine committed suicide, and one got crazy. Those who point a critical finger should learn to reach out a helping hand.

But the really poor learn to accept their lot in life as part of the passing nature of this world. Their love and kindness remain amidst the ups and downs of life. As St. Paul clearly portrays: “Whatever the situation I find myself in I have learned to be self-sufficient. I am experienced in being brought low, yet I know what it is to have an abundance. I have learned how to cope with every circumstance—how to eat well or go hungry, to be well provided for or do without. In Him who is the source of my strength I have strength for everything” (Phil. 4:12).