Living the Beatitudes 2: Blessed Are the Meek--The Path to His Kingdom

In the second Beatitude, Christ teaches, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This verse, as simple as it seems, holds profound spiritual meaning. St. Gregory of Nyssa provides a rich interpretation that offers insights into the spiritual life and practical application for the faithful in the parish setting. Let’s explore this Beatitude from an Orthodox perspective and offer practical guidance for living it out.

1. The Beatitudes as a Ladder to Heaven

St. Gregory of Nyssa explains that the Beatitudes are arranged in steps, each one leading to a deeper and higher spiritual state. Meekness is the second step following “poor in spirit” that leads the soul toward union with God. While inheriting "the earth" might seem like a step backward from the kingdom of Heaven promised in the first one, Gregory clarifies that the "earth" spoken of here is not the material world but the renewed, celestial land—the Kingdom of Heaven itself. Therefore, meekness is not about attaining earthly rewards but about spiritual inheritance in the life to come.

2. What is Meekness?

Meekness is often misunderstood as being passive, slow, or quiet in all situations. This was not the nature of Christ or Saint Paul and the other Apostles. St. Gregory and other Fathers clarify that meekness is much more dynamic. It is a state of spiritual strength, where a person is steady and unmoved by the passions that easily pull us away from God. It is not weakness, but rather controlled strength, where one resists wrath, arrogance, envy, and other sinful tendencies with reason and grace.

Meekness, then, is the soul’s ability to resist these passionate movements and remain in a state of peace and reason. A meek person does not respond to insults with anger, nor do they envy those with more wealth or honors. Instead, they maintain inner peace, showing love even toward those who offend them.

In a world where human nature often tends toward sin and passions, the meek person resists these temptations through moderation and steadfastness. This leads to the blessedness that Christ promises. As St. Gregory writes, “Blessed are those who are not easily turned towards passionate movements of the soul, but who are steadied by reason.”

This is not about suppressing emotions or pretending they do not exist. Instead, it is about being aware of one’s emotions and controlling how we respond to them. The meek person does not allow passions like anger or envy to control their actions or thoughts, but responds with calmness, patience, and love.

3. The Practical Path to Meekness in Christian Life

Meekness is not just a lofty ideal but a necessary and practical way of living for those seeking union with God. Here are some ways to cultivate meekness in daily life:

Responding to Insults with Calmness: In any community or family, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. Meekness is shown when we resist the urge to respond with anger or harsh words. Instead, we choose calmness and forgiveness. This creates peace in the family, community and strengthens relationships.

Avoiding Envy and Pride: Meekness also helps us resist envy when others receive recognition or honors. Instead of feeling slighted, the meek person rejoices in the success of others and focuses on their own spiritual growth, remembering that God sees the heart, not just outward achievements.

Handling Criticism with Grace: Parish life often involves working with others in ministry, which can lead to disagreements. Meekness allows us to receive criticism humbly, without becoming defensive or resentful. This fosters unity and helps us grow spiritually.

Showing Patience in Service: Meekness also means being patient with others, especially when serving in the parish community. Whether it’s volunteering for events, participating in ministries, or simply attending services, patience and understanding with others' shortcomings reflect the meekness Christ calls us to.

4. Developing these Christlike Characteristics

The Orthodox life, as found in the Church, offers us the tools and guidance needed to grow in meekness and other Christlike virtues. Of primary importance is cultivating a daily prayer life, which includes the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." This simple but powerful prayer helps us develop a quiet mind, enabling us to become more watchful over our thoughts and emotions. As we grow in watchfulness, we can catch the early stirrings of anger, pride, or envy, and respond with humility and patience rather than passion.

In addition to prayer, participation in the sacramental life of the Church is essential for gaining the spiritual strength needed to overcome sins and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when we fall. Confession and receiving the Holy Eucharist are critical in this journey. Through Confession, we receive forgiveness and healing for past sins, including anger, pride, and envy, which can weigh down the soul. In the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and receive His grace, which empowers us to live a life of meekness, humility, and love.

As we follow the ancient teachings and disciplines given to us in the Church, our minds are freed from the lingering effects of passions such as anger and envy. Through this process, our "spiritual muscles" are strengthened, enabling us to properly control our will and resist temptations with calmness, patience, and a clear mind.

More: Ten points for an Orthodox way of Life

5. Meekness and Humility Go Hand in Hand

According to St. Gregory, meekness follows humility. The truly meek person does not seek after worldly honors or recognition, but is content in their relationship with God. Without humility, meekness cannot take root. This means accepting our limitations and recognizing our dependence on God for everything. This is about surrendering our will to God’s will. Humility allows us to bear insults, disappointments, and challenges without reacting in anger or frustration, thus leading to true meekness. Without humility we will not become meek.

6. Meekness as a Path to Peace

St. Gregory concludes that meekness brings peace to the soul. Without wrath or envy, the meek person lives in a state of internal peace, which is reflected in their interactions with others. This peace makes us “worthy of the new earth of Paradise,” which is the ultimate inheritance Christ promises. Meekness, therefore, is not just a personal virtue but a state of being that radiates outward, bringing peace to others as well and therefore building up the Body of Christ.

Conclusion: Inheriting the Earth

To inherit the earth, as Christ promises, is to inherit the Kingdom of God, the new and transformed reality that awaits the faithful. In our journey toward this Kingdom, meekness serves as both a shield and a guide. It shields us from the passions that disrupt our spiritual life and guides us to live in peace and harmony with others.

As we cultivate meekness in our personal and parish lives, we not only grow closer to God but also contribute to the peace and unity of the Church. Through meekness, we begin to experience a foretaste of the eternal life in God’s Kingdom, where love, peace, and joy reign forever.

This article emphasizes both the spiritual meaning of meekness as taught by St. Gregory of Nyssa in his commentary on the Beatitudes, found in Ancient Christian Writers, vol 18, pp 58-116.