The average dictionary will tell you that meek people are patient, gentle, and humble; and then add that they are easily imposed upon. This leaves you with the impression that meekness is a nice form of weakness.
If meekness is weakness, and Our Lord calls Himself “meek and humble of heart” in Matthew’s Gospel, does that mean Our Lord is weak? When He exhorts us through the Beatitudes to be meek, is He telling us to let ourselves be walked on like a doormat?
St. Paul would answer, “God forbid!” and rightly so. The first thing to remember is that meekness is not weakness—it’s the opposite.
Meekness is the restraining of one’s power for another’s sake. It indicates a strong and prudent will. It involves mercy on the part of a stronger or more authoritative person towards his subordinate. Meekness helps us control our anger towards others and bear injustices peacefully. It takes a great deal of patience, yes, and also fortitude.
We have no greater example of meekness than Our Lord Himself.
Here He is, the God-Man, Might and Power and Wisdom Itself, with every right to squash fallen creation and start afresh. Yet He chooses to come to us in human form, to be reviled and despised and persecuted, without once calling upon His legions of angels, so that He may save us and gently gain our love.
The Eight Beatitudes are part of our roadmap to paradise. Keep this map—in the form of the Eight Beatitudes Framed Print—in a visible place, where its daily reminder will fortify you in your spiritual battles. Eucalyptus leaves, symbolic of strength, border these beautiful words of Our Lord. Get your print today at The Catholic Company!
