Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 4: Holy Poverty

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encumbered, and there my providence is more clearly reflected in actuality . . . Both the one and the other bow their heads, making themselves small in true humility. But because I have told you elsewhere about the second— if you remember well, I did tell you something about it—I will now tell you only about the first. I have shown you how every evil, harm, and suffering, in this life and in the next, comes from selfish love of riches. Now, on the opposite side, I am telling you that every good, peace, rest, and calm comes from poverty. Only look at the faces of those who are truly poor: how happy and joyful they are! The only thing that saddens them is when I am offended, and this sadness fattens rather than distresses the soul. Through poverty they have gained the highest of riches. By leaving darkness behind they discover the most perfect light for themselves. By leaving behind worldly sadness they have come to possess happiness. In place of mortal goods they find the immortal. The greatest of consolations is theirs. Their labors and suffering are refreshment to them. They are just and love everyone with a familial love. They do not play favorites. In whom do the virtues of most holy faith and true hope shine forth? Where does the fire of divine charity burn? In those who, by the light of their faith in me, supreme eternal wealth, raise their hope above the world and above all empty riches to embrace true poverty as their bride . . . With this faith and hope, ablaze with the fire of charity, my true servants leaped and leap above riches and selfishness. Just so, the glorious apostle Matthew leaped up from his tax booth and, leaving his great wealth behind, followed my Truth, who taught you the way and