Today’s scripture used to be moving, contending with the implications of sacrifice and the selfishness present in it. How do we know if we have given all we have? If we haven’t tried, if we have, and to who do we give it, on what account–to those whose needs are apparent or to those who ask for it because they are courageous/desperate enough? Blessed are they who are poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God; blessed are they who are meek and humble, for they shall inherit the Earth.
These are a few of the beatitudes and, at times strength in spirit one day can translate into weakened spirit the next and call for a greater need to be able to give of oneself than is in the spirit’s capacity. The questions stem from the dichotomy of living of the world vs. in the world. How do we serve the poor in such frustration? Certainty is often explained as an opposite to faith; doubt works when/if comes from the same longing to connect to Truth and Love. …
