July 31, 2020

No one should commend poverty save the poor. - St. Bernard
 
I had no idea what this meant, so I looked it up! I still don’t really have a good idea.
 
What I did find was written in the introduction of the book The life of St. Teresa of Jesus. It reads, “I do not commend poverty in itself, but the suffering of it with patience for the love of Christ, and I praise far more the desiring, seeking, embracing it, out of love…Those who are truly poor at heart, are by the grace of God, blessed in their lives, as are all who love, trust, and hope in God.”
 
Now that is something I can reflect on. We are reminded that it’s all about our hearts. If we are seeking to grow in the faith, hope, and love of Jesus, we will be blessed. That doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. Not by a long shot. I think it means we just need to keep working at it. And by working, I mean praying, trusting, seeking, and looking for ways to grow in holiness; turning always to God with an open heart, ready to embrace His will and the transformational power of His love.
 
Let us be grateful today for a God who loves without bounds, recognizes our weaknesses, and gently pushes us to grow in love for Him. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).
 
Come Holy Spirit.
 
 
 
©Mary V. Pribbenow