Blessed is That Which Makes You Empty

Today we hear the familiar Beatitudes. A common theme emerges in the Beatitudes that all those blessed are lacking and empty of something. Jesus says blessed are the poor, blessed are the hungry, blessed are the weeping, blessed are the hated, and blessed are the excluded and insulted. Each is empty of a need.

Some lack material needs, food and water, being filled up, being happy, being honored, regarded, and included. Each is empty in some way whether physically, emotionally, or socially.

Where are you empty? Do you lack money? Do you lack basic needs? Do you lack fullness? Do you lack happiness and joy? Do you lack inclusion and friendship? Do you lack “being liked” for the sake of your beliefs and values? Do you lack the kindness and love of others?

Often we don’t see our emptiness through the lens of it making us blessed, but Jesus turns that upside down today. The filled, the happy, the rich, and the loved – they receive what they desire in this world. They need no more comfort, consolation, or joy. Rather, the empty keep their eyes on heaven, and they will receive their blessings eventually as Jesus promises.

Look at your own life. Are you rich in everything? Or is there something that makes and keeps you empty in this life?

Blessed is that which makes you empty, for that is your ticket to blessedness and the Kingdom of Heaven.