Living the Beatitudes1: An Orthodox Approach to "Poor in Spirit"

The Beatitudes, as understood within the Orthodox tradition, are not merely ethical guidelines but a transformative path to holiness and theosis, the union with God. Each one identifies a characteristic of what it means to be Christlike and worthy of His Kingdom. Jesus tells us, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat. 5:3).” This being the first beatitude shows us that living a life with humility and a trust in the providence of God  is the fundamental starting point for an Orthodox Christian life.

What Does "Poor in Spirit" Mean?

The concept of being poor in spirit goes beyond material poverty. It is about recognizing our purpose, our spiritual need and our dependence on God. St. John Chrysostom emphasizes this by saying that the "poor in spirit" are those who humble themselves willingly, tremble at God's commandments, and are not reliant on their own strength or righteousness. To be poor in spirit, in this sense, is to be deeply aware of our sinfulness, to willingly repent, and to call on God's mercy to send the Holy Spirit to join our will.

St. Gregory of Nyssa’s Insight

St. Gregory of Nyssa further elaborates that there are two types of riches: material wealth and spiritual wealth. In the Orthodox way of life, we are called to renounce the attachment to material riches and instead pursue spiritual virtues. He teaches that to we must voluntarily become poor in the passions that lead to the vices that separate us from God, such as pride, selfishness, and indulgence in sin. It is a laborious task of self-restraint and self-awareness, recognizing that true richness is found in Christlikeness, not in worldly status or wellbeing.

The Challenge of Pride

One of the greatest obstacles to becoming poor in spirit is pride. St. Gregory warns that pride inflates the soul with vanity and leads us away from the path of humility. We think our own will is supreme. This can manifest in various ways in modern life—whether through the pursuit of material wealth, status, or even personal accomplishments. Pride can create a false sense of self-sufficiency, blinding us to our need for God's grace.

In the Orthodox context, the cure for pride is found in the ascetic practices of the Church: fasting, prayer, repentance, and almsgiving and the sacraments. These practices help us to empty ourselves of self-reliance and open our hearts to God's grace. As the Apostle Paul writes, Christ "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). We are called to do the same, adopting an attitude of service, love, and humility.

Modern Applications

In today's world, the call to be poor in spirit can be challenging amidst a culture that values self-promotion, material success, and individualism. However, the Orthodox Christian is reminded that life is transitory and that our true aim is theosis, union with God, with eternal life in His Kingdom. St. Gregory's imagery of a communal burial ground—where all earthly distinctions are stripped away—brings us back to the reality of our shared human nature and the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and status.

Being poor in spirit today might mean re-evaluating our priorities, focusing less on personal gain, our idea of success or wellbeing, and more on spiritual growth. It could manifest in choosing to serve others quietly, without seeking recognition, or in seeking to live simply, avoiding the excesses of consumerism. It also involves embracing repentance, recognizing that none of us are righteous by our own merit but are saved by our cooperation with grace.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of poverty in spirit is Christ Himself, who, though being equal with God, chose to humble Himself and take on human flesh. This act of self-emptying (kenosis) is the model for Orthodox Christians. To follow Christ means to empty ourselves of pride, ego, and attachment to worldly things, and to fill our hearts with love for God and neighbor.

In practical terms, this can be seen in how we approach our daily lives. Are we quick to forgive? Do we give generously to those in need? Do we pray in humility, seeking God's will above our own desires? These are all ways in which we can live out the Beatitude of being poor in spirit.

Conclusion

The Orthodox understanding of being poor in spirit calls for a life of voluntary humility, self-denial, and deep trust in God's providence. It is a recognition of our own limitations and the greatness of God's mercy. Through prayer, repentance, and the sacraments, we are given the grace to walk this path, always looking to Christ as the example of true poverty in spirit. In doing so, we are promised the Kingdom of Heaven, not as a distant reality but as a present experience of God's love and presence in our lives.

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