June 21, 2005
As you know, the friars have offered to respond to questions from you, our readers. “"Nancy in Michigan”sent in a few, the first being about the Beatitude “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” She asked, “All the other Beatitudes mention being comforted or being in heaven, but this one mentions the earth. How does that fit in with eternity?”
This question mostly arises from the unfortunate translation of the Greek word “gen” as “earth”. It certainly is not meant as “planet earth”, but is better translated as “land”. When our Saviour speaks of this Promised Land, it is the same kingdom of heaven as in the other Beatitudes.
This is the only Beatitude in which Jesus is actually directly quoting the Old Testament, namely Psalm 37:11. If you read the first part of this psalm, the meaning of the Beatitude becomes clearer, including what meekness is about. Meekness is not weakness. Since Moses was called “the most meek of men” and Jesus referred to Himself as “meek and humble of heart”, we ought to be fully convinced that this is a type of strength we are talking about. It is a combination of humility, patience, and trust in the Lord that particularly conquers sinful anger. The first part of Psalm 37 describes the meek person as one who does not get angry or fret over the wicked man, trusting that God Himself will reward the just.
Although there is such a thing as a righteous anger, often our anger comes from a prideful voice inside that says, “Don’t you know who I am?!” For example, I recall waiting in line for a long time at the British Embassy in New York and then being told that I didn’t have enough paperwork for a visa. As my face turned red, I heard that line clearly and distinctly in my mind. Whenever I hear that interior voice, I know it’s time to pray for meekness! As with all of the Beatitudes, it is those who realize their poverty and imperfections who are most ready to inherit the perfect Promised Land.
Good questions Nancy! I’ll tackle the other two soon!
Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR
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