(a) The poor in spirit are those who, however great their wealth, dignity, learning, etc., acknowledge that in God's sight they are poor, and realize that their riches come from God. They are detached in heart and mind from worldly possessions, for love of God. Even in this life they are at peace, a foretaste of Heaven.

    Thus a rich man may in fact be poor in spirit, if he is not attached to his wealth, but spends it freely for good causes, and is willing to be parted from it at God's will. On the other hand a poor man is not truly poor in spirit, if he is not resigned to his poverty, but envies the rich, if he is poor against his will, or prides himself on some quality of his.

(b) In general, the poor in this world's goods are also poor in spirit. They are saved from temptations into which the wealthy fall. This is one reason for seeking poverty voluntarily, according to Christ's counsel.

    Our Lord often emphasized the difficulty of salvation when one is rich: "But woe to you rich! for you are now having your comfort" (Luke 6:24). "If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor,…and come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21). "With difficulty will a rich man enter into the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 19:23).

(c) We are, however, expected to be industrious. Pauperism, which is the result of laziness, is not a virtue. Beggary which can be avoided is not beneficial either to the individual or to society in general. Each one is obliged to provide for himself and for those dependent on him.

2. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth."

(a) The meek are those who bear patiently all the contradictions of life, looking upon them as happening through God's will or by His permission.

    The meek shall have peace of heart and peace of life, loved and respected by all, and at death will "possess the earth" of the living, Heaven.

(b) Those are also meek who, though of a naturally fiery disposition, master their anger, impatience, or desires for revenge.

    The meek man does not get angry or curse or seek revenge. He forgives his enemies, and even wins them by gentle words. He imitates Christ, Who said: "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart" (Matthew 11:29).

3. "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

    Here the reference is to spiritual sorrow, grief for sin, one's own sins or the sins of others. It includes a longing amidst the sorrows of life for the joys and peace of Heaven.

    Mourning for sin is not sadness, for it is not incompatible with spiritual joy. Those who are most penitent feel most gladness upon their release from sin. But to sinners who do not mourn, these words of Our Lord should bring salutary fear: "Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep" (Luke 6:25).

4. "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied."

    This refers to those who ardently desire the things of God, truth and perfect virtue, as well as to those who try to become better, more humble and pure, more closely united with God.

    Spiritual hunger and thirst is the craving for growth in holiness, a desire to be more pleasing to God, to make daily progress in doing His will. Even in this life they shall taste the joy of divine consolations; in Heaven they shall enjoy the full abundance of Heavenly bliss.