The Paradox of Poverty: Why Are the Poor in Spirit “Blessed”?

2026 Catholic Media Association Second Place Award, Adult Spiritual Development2026 Catholic Media Association Honorable Mention, Religion in the Public SquareSusan Pitchford examines the ways in which followers of Christ have understood “poverty of spirit,” and the traditions that have formed around their attempts to follow Jesus on this radical path. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus said, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” And we smile, nod, and think: “Lovely thought.” But if we’re paying attention, it’s a shocking, almost offensive thought.The grieving, the brokenhearted, the marginalized, the stigmatized-all blessed, all happy?In The Paradox of Poverty, Susan Pitchford examines the ways in which followers of Christ have understood “poverty of spirit,” and the traditions that have formed around their attempts to follow Jesus on this radical path. Over the centuries, those who have heard Jesus have learned the truth of his promise that we will find the greatest happiness,