Further Reference to: Abandonment | Resignation

The Poverty of Spirit to be practised amidst riches

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 14

Happy are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God (Mt. 5:3).  Accursed then are the rich in spirit for theirs is the misery of hell.  He is rich in spirit who has riches in his spirit or his spirit in riches.  He is poor in spirit who has neither riches in his spirit nor his spirit in riches.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 14)

Detachment

  Spiritual Conferences, Vol. 1, Conference 8

These little attachments expressing possession such as “yours” and “mine” are still leftovers of the world where there is nothing more valuable than that. The supreme happiness of the world consists in possessing many things as one’s own of which one can say: “This is mine.”  Now what makes us attached to what is ours is the great esteem we have for ourselves.

(Read further in Spiritual Conferences, Trans. by Fr. Ivo Carneiro MSFS)

Back to top