The meek shall inherit the earth
Question:
What is the meaning of “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”?
Answer:
The meek person is the calm, kind, simple person, who does not quarrel, nor shout, nor does anyone hear his voice in the streets. He is far from disputes, resistance, and excessive argument. A peaceful, obedient, gentle person, kind-hearted, good in dealing with people, tender in nature, cheerful…
Such qualities make him beloved by all people. From this, in addition to inheriting the Kingdom of God, he also inherits the earth, because the inhabitants of the earth love him and live with him in peace and quiet.
Saint Augustine interpreted the phrase “they shall inherit the earth” as the land of the living, as mentioned in Psalm (27): 13: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” This land of the living is the one about which John the Seer said: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev 21:1), and it is the one symbolized by the land flowing with milk and honey.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Kiraza Magazine – Year Eight (Issue Forty-Five) 11-11-1977
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