FAQ

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” — these words mean that the fullness of life, beatitude (the utmost degree of happiness and joy) belongs to those who own nothing, who possess nothing. These are those who have nothing, and if they do possess something, they do not consider it as belonging to themselves, but receive it as a gift from God. The poor are those who do not have, but ask and hope. Such an attitude towards material, intellectual, and spiritual wealth enables them to be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, because everyone there is of such a nature.

Of course, meekness, that is, the unwillingness to use force to obtain desired blessings, is a concept closely related to poverty of spirit. Closely related, but not identical. Therefore, the commandments “blessed are the poor” and “blessed are the meek” are not the same. However, all the Beatitudes that the Lord gives us in the 5th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew speak of what we must be like in order to enter His Kingdom. Thus, one must be both poor in spirit and meek. To mourn and hunger for righteousness, to show mercy, to serve reconciliation, and to be pure in heart — these are also required. Moreover, one must also accept rejection by men for the sake of Christ.