Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 467 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 467 - Part I. Why does Jesus demand that we practice “poverty in spirit”?

(Youcat answer) “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2544) Jesus enjoins his disciples to prefer him to everything and everyone, and bids them "renounce all that [they have]" for his sake and that of the Gospel (Lk 14:33; cf. Mk 8:35). Shortly before his passion he gave them the example of the poor widow of Jerusalem who, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on (Cf. Lk 21:4). The precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven. (CCC 2555) Christ's faithful "have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24); they are led by the Spirit and follow his desires.      

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Young people, too, experience inner emptiness. But experiencing this sort of poverty is not just something bad. I simply have to seek with my whole heart the one who can fill my emptiness and make wealth out of my poverty. That is why Jesus says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2545) All Christ's faithful are to "direct their affections rightly, lest they be hindered in their pursuit of perfect charity by the use of worldly things and by an adherence to riches which is contrary to the spirit of evangelical poverty" (LG 42 § 3).   

(This question: Why does Jesus demand that we practice “poverty in spirit”? is continued)