As we continue our reflections on the Beatitudes, we turn our attention to the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.” What does meekness mean? The Greek word for meek has a twofold meaning: 1) to be as strong as iron, 2) yet as gentle as a feather. Jesus describes meekness as being “wise as serpents and gentle as doves.” St. Francis de Sales further explains meekness by saying “there is nothing as strong as true meekness, there is nothing as gentle as true strength.” In saying this, it should be clear that meekness is not weakness, as many today would think. It takes a strong person to be meek.

The model for us is Jesus himself who said: “I am meek and lowly in heart.” (Mt 11:29) Listen to the words of Pope Francis: “To be meek is a way of being that brings us close to Jesus….This is his spiritual portrait and it reveals the abundance of his love. Meekness is a way of living and acting that draws us close to Jesus and to one another. It enables us to set aside everything that divides and estranges us, and to find ever new ways to advance along the path of unity.”