Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. (Matthew 5:5)
I have always been curious about this
Beatitude, since “meek” in our culture often implies a sense of docility or
weakness. Those who are meek generally are seen in today’s day and age as being
doormats, walked over, or otherwise made irrelevant by being quiet. Yet the
“meek” that Jesus is referring to is something quite different.
The Old Testament is replete with
underscoring the importance of being meek. It denotes a gentleness of spirit, a
mildness—as opposed to the violence, revenge, and brutality that often
characterized living in the ancient world—or today for that matter.
Moses is described as being meek
(Numbers 12:3). Sirach goes further and says that because of his meekness and
trustworthiness, “God selected him from all flesh; He let him hear his voice,
and led him into the cloud, where he handed over the commandments, the law of
life and understanding.” (Sirach 45:4b,5abcd)
The Greek for “meek” is praos (or
sometimes written as praÿs but pronounced pr-owz) and is not
defined as the being weak or a doormat for others, but primarily a docility
toward God and his works. Opening ourselves to God’s work in our lives is
essential. Regardless of how we (or the world) might see our circumstances,
knowing and trusting in God is being meek.
Meek is also often translated as
“poor”—as the Psalmist says: “But the poor will inherit the earth, will delight
in great prosperity.” (37:11). Substitute “meek” and it’s a match to the
Beatitude. It is very often also translated as “humility”—a reverence and
respect—for God’s love and plan. St. Paul writes, “Put on then, as God’s chosen
ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
I am struck by how often the Apostles
described the good works of Christian as putting on clothes. The shedding of
old garments for new ones are vivid images, even today. “Your
adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold
jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the
hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle
and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:4-5). Put on your
meekness and you shall inherit the Earth, because you will have the gifts of
love and self-giving from God.
St. Peter wants us to be
meek and humble, just like Jesus is. "Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for
yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) How
are we meek? Are our hearts humble?
Meekness is
fundamentally an attitude of love and respect for God. It is about taking
things that are given to us with a strength of spirit and fortitude that
enables us to see the good in everything, even when the world disapproves. God
is at work in everything. Let’s examine our own lives and actions against this Beatitude,
for when we are meek, then we can become truly the “vessels of
mercy” for others that God is calling us to be. (Romans 9:23)
How can we live this Beatitude and become the vehicles of mercy that spreads the love of, and trust in, our Heavenly Father?
Photo: Nativity by Luca della Robbia - National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA By Daderot - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27330586
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