Salesian Literature

Salesian Views on

::   Patience  ::   Peace  ::   Perfection  ::   Perseverance  ::   Poverty  ::   Prayer  ::   Propriety 

::   Providence

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Poverty

 

The Poverty of Spirit to be practised amidst riches

Introduction to the Devout Life, 3:14. Happy are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God (Mt. 5:3).  Accursed then are the rich in spirit for theirs is the misery of hell.  He is rich in spirit who has riches in his spirit or his spirit in riches.  He is poor in spirit who has neither riches in his spirit nor his spirit in riches.

 

How to practise real poverty while remaining rich

Introduction to the Devout Life, 3:15 The painter Parrhasius painted the people of Athens in a very ingenious way representing their different and changing moods: angry, unjust, fickle, courteous, mild, merciful, haughty, glorious, humble, audacious and timid, all these in one.

 

How to practise richness of spirit in real poverty

Introduction to the Devout Life, 3:16 If you are really poor, dearest Philothea, be such also in spirit.  Make a virtue of necessity and make use of this precious stone of poverty for what it is worth.  Its brilliance is not discovered in this world, nevertheless it is exceedingly beautiful and rich.

 

Spiritual Directory

I would place into your heart both riches and poverty together, a great care of temporal things, as well as a great disregard for them.  To possess riches, but to be poor in affection for them, is the great happiness of the Christian. [Sp. Directory]

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