Posted: June 28 2005 at 7:57am | IP Logged

The poor in spirit greet the day with wonder, expecting surprises if only and precisely because they come from God, and perhaps especially so when that alone gives reason for any delight. The inflexible, those who desire invulnerability, are made sullen by surprises. If we approach the day as persons truly poor in spirit, alive with a sense of anticipation: "What does the day hold?" we also begin to experience something of a divine sense of humor. We get glimmers of understanding that, in truth, "God's ways are not our ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts; but that as far as the heavens are above the earth, so God's thoughts are above the thoughts of men" (Is. 55:8-9). It is a profound scriptural declaration, yes, and appropriately solemn. Yet is it not also replete with humor? Is it not really a delicious saying? I sometimes wonder whether the inspired writer did not have a genially wry smile on his face as he set down the words.