Lover of Poverty

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Mt 5:3

What does it mean to be poor in spirit and why is it a blessing? To be poor in spirit means that one is detached from the things of this world. Jesus tells us that those who are poor in spirit are not far from the kingdom of heaven. A person who is detached from worldly things is spiritually rich. In this sense, poverty is understood to be a virtue, and it is in this context that we attribute the title "Lover of Poverty" to St. Joseph.

St. Joseph embraced an austere life as a craftsman and humble father. The birth of Christ in a cave, the Flight to Egypt, and his laborious occupation all demonstrate his detachment from worldly goods. The New Testament also reveals to us that the Holy Family was very poor. When the Holy Family journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to participate in the Jewish ritual of purification for a new mother, Joseph couldn't even afford to purchase a lamb for a burnt offering; he could only offer a poor man's gift, that is, two turtledoves or two young pigeons. Had the Baby Jesus not been given gold, frankincense, and myrrh by the Wise Men in Bethlehem, it is likely that St. Joseph would not have had money to purchase food and other necessities for his family when they traveled to Egypt.^xi Yet despite his financial austerity, one can only imagine what an inconceivable grace it must have been to be present with the Blessed Mother and the Son of God and to contribute to God's plan of salvation.

Those who depend on worldly things are destined for unhappiness. True happiness is never found in material goods, but in the things of God.

St. Joseph, Lover of Poverty, pray that I may become poor in spirit. Help me to detach myself from worldly things and to abandon my life to the Providence of God. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any area of your life where undue dependence on worldly goods keeps you from pursuing the virtue of poverty and relying on God's providence. Entrust these areas to God in a simple prayer.