Poverty takes many shapes. Not only is it a lack of resources, but it can also be a lack of affection, appreciation, intimate connections, abilities, hope for the future. Where does our poverty take us? Quite often it takes us to a land abounding with suffering, sorrow, and shame.
God asks that before we let our poverty take us anywhere, we ourselves embrace it, take it into our hands and give it to him.
No human heart is a stranger to lack. Does this poverty of ours open us up to hope, to waiting with open eyes, open hands, and open hearts to receive what God wishes to give us? Does it open us up to others or does it cause us to close in on ourselves?
To be poor in spirit means that regardless of any externals which may be to our advantage or disadvantage before the world, we acknowledge that before the transcendent God we possess nothing but will be given everything if we stay open.