Just A Thought Or Two . . .
“Poor in Spirit” Saints Show Us the Way
We were working on our Saints Project. The students had researched a saint and we were trying to determine what characteristics all these holy men and women had in common. Yes, each loved God, shared their faith, and served God. They had courage, wisdom, and strength.
We decided to put our characteristics into categories. One young man studied the list and said, “All our saints were ‘poor in spirit.’” Puzzled looks revealed less than enthusiastic agreement. This “poor in spirit” business can be confusing. “Poor in spirit” has nothing to do with financial concerns. “Poor in spirit” means we come to God knowing we are in need of grace. “Poor in spirit” says, “Here I am Lord. I know You have the answers we seek.” Truly, the saints understood the value of the first Beatitude.
Autumn days are busy ones. Holiday plans take our time and energy. It is easy to slip into control mode. We have the talents and resources to handle any situation. There is the tendency to feel invincible. “Poor in spirit” has little relevance. We live out of the “Lord, I have it covered” philosophy.
Perhaps we can survive living out of this philosophy for a time. Then comes the day when we don’t have the strength or the resources. Then comes the day when we know that we no longer have control. Then comes the day when we remember what really matters the most in our lives. Then comes the day when we really learn the lesson of the “the glove.”
Amazingly, the glove can do all sorts of things. It can pick up a book, pat someone of the back, construct a building, or even perform surgery. But, the glove can do nothing once it is removed from the hand that guides it. The glove can do nothing on its own. The glove sits there. We can try to teach it lessons. We can offer words of encouragement or even yell at it. Without a hand inside, the glove is nothing more than a piece of cloth.
We are like the glove. Alone, we have limited options. With God, all things are possible. With God in our lives, we can face any challenge. With God, our lives are grounded in grace and holiness. When we understand God’s role, when we surrender to God’s love, when we acknowledge the peace that only God can offer, we will embrace and celebrate our “poor in spirit” blessing.
As we reach for our coats and gloves, may we remember that we are in need of God’s guidance and grace. We also need the holy example of the saints. There are Patron Saints for all situations. During his hectic month of November, we might say a quick word to St. Vitus. He is the Patron Saint of oversleeping!
Please come and pray with us on Wednesday, November 20, 1:05 p.m., at All Saints Catholic Church. Our Thanksgiving Liturgy will be hosted by the Eighth Grade.
On Wednesday, November 27, Grandfriends Program, 9:30 a.m. in the All Saints Catholic School gym. Brunch to follow. This year’s program is hosted by the 6th and 7th grade students, who wrote a play for you.