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Poverty of Spitit

Is Metz simply meditating on a world that is? Is he not tacitly endorsing the current world order by describing our inability to fix it and validating a radical orientation toward and with poverty? This, I suppose, is a great paradox of liberation theology. Siding with the poor and oppressed requires structures of oppression and inequality. What, therefore, does this mean for eschatology? How will God's salvific plan, in the context of liberation theology, resolve this paradoxical tension?

May 26, Ken Peters rated it really liked it. I've read this little book three times. It was due to what I've felt God has been speaking to me about lately that I decided to read it most recently. After all, given how typically self-reliant I can tend to be, I knew it would do me no harm to be reminded of the importance of poverty of spirit. Though there's much in this book that I still don't fully grasp, I was particularly stirred by the author's description of our propensity to resist poverty of spirit.

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But Metz makes a clear case for the I've read this little book three times. But Metz makes a clear case for the value of embracing it! Jul 31, Brian Hohmeier rated it it was ok.


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Metz is a prisoner to existentialism's moment, leading his apparent exposition on the incarnation to be anachronistic, unduly spiritualized and, ironically, poor. To his credit, his wandering strings of poeticized, universalizing assertions lend his short work an enthusiasm that could almost be mistaken as mysticism.

Poverty of spirit

Jan 23, JD Chambers rated it really liked it. The author opens in simplicity the beatitude of poor in spirit. How we engage it biblically in nearly every facet of life. I specifically found the authors connection between poverty of spirit and prayer enlightening and encouraging. It requires slow, meditative reading to grasp the depth of his wisdom.

Poverty of Spirit by Johann Baptist Metz

Jun 09, Jose Sandino B. Aug 15, Stefani McDade rated it it was amazing. Dec 07, Kent rated it it was amazing Shelves: Suffice it to say, no one is well read on the Beatitudes without having deeply considered Metz' "Poverty of Spirit. Jun 22, Staci Lee rated it it was amazing. I will be picking this one up again. May 10, Grace Guzan added it. We must embrace the spiritual adventure of becoming human, moving through the many stages that lie between birth and death.

It gives the reader insight on the true meaning of humanity through Christ. The book begins by describing human existence. Metz unpacks how life is filled with pain, suffering, injustice, and death; and it is normal for us to question our faith. However we can use these moments and realize that God suffered just as we did when he took on human flesh and came to Earth. Jesus showed us how to realize our potential and become fully human. His passion is the faith within the mystery of our humanity. It shows us that we must do the very thing that we do not want to do.

It takes humility for us to realize that we are nothing and God is everything. This book shows that we must embrace the spiritual poverty of our own humanity, and proclaim it as Jesus did. This does not mean that we must suffer and die as Jesus did. Even though we sometimes get caught up in the enviability of death we should not look at it in this way. Rather we should use our knowledge and understanding to better ourselves during this life on Earth. To be impoverished for God means that we must learn to accept ourselves as beings who do not belong to ourselves. In doing so, we will be able to live eternal life in heaven with our creator.

I would recommend this book to anyone is struggling with their faith or is just looking for inspiration and hope. It was a quick read and can be read in one sitting. You won't regret it!


  • .
  • The Beatitudes?
  • Being poor in spirit: What poverty of spirit will teach you.
  • The First Beatitude: Poverty of Spirit - Catholic Stand.
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  • Feb 08, Kimberly rated it really liked it. It's only 52 pages but crammed full and pretty dense. It had some great thoughts that I will have to chew on for a while. Definitely give it a go! Jan 26, Mathew Leonard rated it it was amazing. This work cuts to the depth of what all of humanity experiences and responds to, the innate feeling of poverty within our soul. An extremely helpful read for those hungry and thirsty for a deeper walk with Christ. Feb 11, Sergio Pages rated it it was amazing. This book ties really well with the second week of the spiritual exercises of Ignatious of Loyola.

    Especially as it pertains to Jesus humanity. Jan 19, Bruce rated it it was ok. A couple of insights with a lot of double-talk. Not at all compelling. Apr 24, J Crossley rated it liked it. This book speaks to what makes us human and how to engage more fully with the rest of the human race. Aug 28, Dawn Haglund rated it it was amazing. I think this book I've given away to people more than any other!

    Poverty in Spirit

    Great little book that gives one alot to think about Jul 16, Karli rated it it was amazing. One of my favorite books Mar 26, Jessica Griffith rated it it was amazing. The antidote to all this business about gratitude and happiness in current spiritual writing. I should have raided my husband's bookshelf a long time ago. Rachel rated it really liked it Aug 21, Abraham Phillips rated it it was amazing Nov 22, Timothy rated it it was amazing Oct 31, Nathan rated it it was amazing Jun 22, Justin rated it it was amazing Dec 21, David Moore rated it it was amazing May 09, Vinny rated it really liked it Nov 26, Ryan rated it it was amazing Aug 04, Anton Apanasenko rated it it was ok Dec 09, Jackie rated it it was amazing Feb 09, Christ emptied himself of his divinity in becoming man.


    • Poverty of Spirit?
    • SOME DESCENDANTS OF KENNETH STEWART (1735-1793).
    • The First Beatitude: Poverty of Spirit.
    • And being found in human form he humbled himself. Our Lord lived in material poverty, working as a lowly carpenter. In his public life, he only had the clothing on his back and no home. In his passion, he completely emptied himself. He placed himself at the mercy of the unjust religious and political leaders. He let them do whatever they wanted to do to him. To be poor in spirit means not being attached to worldly goods. Does detachment mean we should abandon all material goods? But the laity needs worldly goods. The ditch digger needs his shovel and strong back and the baker her stove, recipes, pans, and ingredients.

      If we can do without them when necessary and use them to love God and our neighbor, we are detached and have poverty of spirit. Detachment means we can put the goods we possess at the service of others. The hole digging is so people can have clean water to drink. Whether it is our money, our work, our friendship, our popularity—we can serve others by means of them.

      We can turn the other cheek. All who resolve to be saints,. I intend on reading every one of your essays on The Beatitudes…ususally the Gospel on my birthday, November 1st. What with Vatican II, St. Written with few words, Kevin, but quite complete for our deeper meditations. Your email address will not be published.

      The Spirit of Sorcery and Witchcraft can make one poor!