“Humility exists only in those who are poor enough to see that they possess nothing of their own.”
~Angela of Foligno
Reflection:
Italian saint, mystic, and lay Franciscan sister Angela of Foligno reminds us that we are nothing without and apart from God. Our very lives, every breath we take, every beat of our fragile hearts, and every second we have on this earth are a gift from the God who created us and is creating us in this very moment. To know this is a step. To accept it to the marrow of our bones and feel it in the essence of our being is part of the poverty of spirit that Jesus speaks about. From this place of utter poverty, we realize the truth. To have nothing, to own nothing, and to be nothing apart from God is the very gift that affords us everything in Christ.
This knowledge and acceptance—that our nothingness apart from our creator is truth—is the foundation of humility and the antidote to pride and sin. Through this humility, we die to our old selves and are reborn with Christ. We are given new eyes, new life, and a new mind. We begin to realize, though, that even humility, even the poverty of spirit needed to die and be reborn in and with Christ, is outside our power. Like all other things, even humility is a gift of grace. Even poverty of spirit is a blessing. Perhaps this is what our Lord means by, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).” We are blessed with poverty of spirit, and to be of poverty of spirit is a blessing.
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
Question for Meditation:
Where in your life have you experienced graced moments of poverty of spirit that afforded you the humility to accept your utter reliance on God?
Scripture:
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” – James 4:6
Further Reading:
If you found value in this reflection, you may also enjoy reading and reflecting on Lectio Divina: Plea For The Weak
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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