ACC ~ Matthew 5 v3

YOU WHO ARE POOR IN SPIRIT

ANONYMOUS: Although the Evangelist Luke explains in part the same Beatitudes, the Beatitudes in Matthew must be considered more complete. The former were spoken on a level plain, whereas the latter were expounded on a mountain. The former were low-key in nature, whereas the latter were well-rounded and more directly addressed to the apostles themselves. The reason for this difference we outlined earlier. [1] Luke simply said “you poor,” [2] whereas Matthew said “you poor in spirit.” One who is poor in spirit and humble of heart has a meek spirit and does not think great things of himself. On the other hand, one who imagines himself to be rich in spirit will imagine great things of himself. He is proud and does not fulfill the commandment of Christ that “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” [3] Only one who has repented and become like a child is poor in spirit. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 9. [4]

[1] The interpretation of Luke here is not extant. This author points out the difference between the two accounts and deduces that Jesus preached the Beatitudes twice, in a more complete form for the more mature disciples (Matthew) and a less complete form for the less mature crowds (Luke).

[2] Lk 6:20.

[3] Mt 18:3.

[4] PG 56:680.

PERFECT BLESSEDNESS IS HUMILITY OF SPIRIT

HILARY: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Lord taught by way of example that the glory of human ambition must be left behind when he said, “The Lord your God shall you adore and him only shall you serve.” [1] And when he announced through the prophets that he would choose a people humble and in awe of his words, [2] he introduced the perfect Beatitude as humility of spirit. Therefore he defines those who are inspired as people aware that they are in possession of the heavenly kingdom. … Nothing belongs to anyone as being properly one’s own, but all have the same things by the gift of a single parent. They have been given the first things needed to come into life and have been supplied with the means to use them. ON MATTHEW 4.2. [3]

[1] Mt 4:10.

[2] See Is 66:2.

[3] SC 254:120-22.

THE BLESSED POOR, RICH IN GOD

CHROMATIUS: We know many poor people, indeed, who are not merely poor but blessed. For the necessity of poverty does not produce blessedness in each of us, but a devout trust sustained through poverty does. Some, having no worldly resources, continue to sin and remain without faith in God. Clearly we cannot call these people blessed. We must inquire just who are these blessed of whom the Lord says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus means that those persons are truly blessed who, having spurned the riches and resources of the world to become rich in God, desire to be poor in the world. Indeed, such people seem to be poor in the sight of the world, but they are rich in God, needy in the world but wealthy in Christ. TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 17.2.1-2. [1]

[1] CCL 9a:269.

FREE HUMILITY, NOT FORCED POVERTY, IS BLESSED

JEROME: This is what we read elsewhere: “He shall save the humble in spirit.” [1] But do not imagine that poverty is bred by necessity. For he added “in spirit” so you would understand blessedness to be humility and not poverty. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” who on account of the Holy Spirit are poor by willing freely to be so. Hence, concerning this type of poor, the Savior also speaks through Isaiah: “The Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor.” [2] COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 1.5.3. [3]

[1] Ps 34:18 (33:18 LXX).

[2] Is 61:1.

[3] CCL 77:24.

THE KINGDOM IS FITTING FOR THOSE WHO PRACTICE VIRTUE

ANONYMOUS: What does it mean that theirs is the kingdom of heaven? Is not the kingdom fitted for those who practice virtue? Even as the road to hell is lined with all the vices, and especially pride, all the virtues lead toward the kingdom of heaven, and especially humility. For the root of all evil is pride, and the root of all good is humility. [1] It is only fitting that one who exalts himself shall be humbled, and one who humbles himself shall be exalted. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 9. [2]

[1] Cf. Lk 14:11.

[2] PG 56:680-81.