Bloom where you are planted!  Be what you are, be at its best!! To be nothing, if not human!!!    -SFS

Salesian   References A Thematic easy-reference to Salesian Perspectives on different topics

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)

How to practise real poverty while remaining rich

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 15

The painter Parrhasius painted the people of Athens in a very ingenious way representing their different and changing moods: angry, unjust, fickle, courteous, mild, merciful, haughty, glorious, humble, audacious and timid, all these in one.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 15)

How to practise richness of spirit in real poverty

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 16

If you are really poor, dearest Philothea, be such also in spirit.  Make a virtue of necessity and make use of this precious stone of poverty for what it is worth.  Its brilliance is not discovered in this world, nevertheless it is exceedingly beautiful and rich.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 16)

Commentary on Poverty

  In the Midst of the World: A Call to Holiness

I would place into your heart both riches and poverty together, a great care of temporal things, as well as a great disregard for them.  To possess riches, but to be poor in affection for them, is the great happiness of the Christian.

(Read further in In the Midst of the World: A Call to Holiness, Chapter 8, Our Cooperation with God's Action)

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