The lesson is a universal one: Indeed, blessed are those who realize their own limits, weaknesses, need for support, and dependence on God. Emptied of themselves they see the goodness in others.

The Peace Pulpit: When Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor," he's talking more about an attitude, a way of knowing one's need for God. Listen to Bishop Gumbleton's homily.

The subsequent beatitude follows a similar pattern, “Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.” This is not the case, however, with the blessed ones who are poor now.