A Traditional Franciscan Tertiary: Words To Live By.

Of Poverty of Spirit.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Many apply themselves to prayers and offices, and practise much abstinence and bodily mortification, but because of a single word which seems to be hurtful to their bodies or because of something being taken from them, they are forthwith scandalized and troubled. These are not poor in spirit: for he who is truly poor in spirit, hates himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek.


From The Admonitions of St. Francis: Paschal Robinson's The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi. 1905.

Sacred Texts:

http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/wosf/wosf03.htm