Blessed are the Meek

Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5: 5)

It is perhaps difficult to understand this statement. But we can get some insight from Lao Tze’s teachings. He said, “The softest in the world can conquer the hardest.”(Tao Te Ching, Chapter 43) He also taught that “supreme good is like water.” Water can leave marks on rocks.

There is a strong connection between meekness and faith. But I seldom see meekness among the Religious Right. The Religious Right tend to be hooked on triumphalism. They always try to win and dominate. Meekness is the last thing on their minds.

I grew up with Christian fundamentalists. I have listened to evangelical Christians’ sermons many times. I have been to their evangelical events where they try to recruit new members to join the army of Christ. Evangelical preachers are very adept at capitalizing on people’s sense of insecurity. The Billy Graham organization, for example, talks about the “how to be sure of your salvation.”

But genuine faith is not about certainty. Father Richard Rohr says that the very notion of faith is in stark contrast to the mindset which constantly demands certitude. If there is certitude, then we don’t need faith. It is faith which allows us to live at ease with uncertainty.