Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth

It looks like the earth is being conquered by the angry, and that those politicians who know how to tap into this anger will be successful, whether it is the anger at factories and jobs moving elsewhere, or at seeing too many migrants around, or at the total disrespect for the environment by those with power. The more successful talk shows are those where people are encouraged to be as aggressive as they can, and social media has provided a very acceptable vehicle for venting our anger on others.

Yet, once again Jesus is being counter-cultural, inviting us to reject this logic and believe that the future belongs to the meek, to those who know how to be gentle even when facing serious conflict.

The meek do win over our hearts

Deep down we all know that wars, whether domestic or international, are very blunt instruments to solve issues, always creating more problems than they manage to solve. Moreover, while we may fear the angry and the violent and do what they tell us, the ones we really respect are those who treat us and others with dignity and gentleness. The meek do win over our hearts, they know that, as the proverb says, you will catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a whole bucket of vinegar.

Jesus meek and humble of heart

Like all the other beatitudes, this one too is about the person of Jesus, the meek one. He himself must have considered meekness as one of his most cherished qualities, for he tells us to learn from him who is meek and humble of heart.

This is seen throughout his life, where the power of his words and actions did not stop him being meek: the Gospel uses these words of Isaiah to describe him, ‘He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick until he brings justice to victory‘.

This reaches its climax on Calvary, where, ‘when he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly‘.  He knew that victory lies in becoming a victim not in making victims (St Augustine). After three days he rose victorious, never to die again.

As we let our gaze rest on Jesus the meek and humble of heart, let us ask him: Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like yours.

Today’s extra little resource: Take a look at the message behind this video advert…