Episode Transcript  

One

Blessed Are the Meek

When Jesus states, in the third beatitude, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” we might often think of shy, nervous people. We might get the idea that being shy and nervous and lacking conviction is a kind of lovable humility that God will compensate these poor people for their social awkwardness and hesitancy by giving them some special place in heaven, where they’ll finally be self-confident and appreciated. But that’s not what meekness means. Meekness isn’t weakness. It’s not a lack of courage or conviction; it’s not a lack of strength and confidence.

To understand the meek, picture a great stallion at full gallop in a meadow, who, at his master’s voice, seizes up to a stunned but instant halt. So, with the strain of holding that great power in check, the muscles along the arched neck keep eddying, and only the velvet ears prick forward, awaiting the next order.  

That’s meekness. It’s power under authority, strength under control. But where do the power and the discipline of meekness come from?

Two

Definition of Meekness

Here’s a good working definition of meekness: not being too preoccupied with yourself. That’s it. Not being too preoccupied with yourself. There is nothing that will sap your energy, dissipate your focus, and drain your strength like being too preoccupied with yourself.

St. Augustine says that there are only two kinds of love. The love of self to the point that you forget God. That’s the love that will erode your willpower and undermine your whole life. Or there is love of God to the point that you forget yourself. That’s happiness, and irresistible strength. 

When you love something outside yourself so much and are so determined to work for it that you forget yourself altogether. That’s the unwavering power of meekness.

Three

The Marks of Meekness

Someone who is overly preoccupied with themselves spends all their time doing two things: self-promotion and self-justification. All their energy is spent trying to prove that they’re special or trying to show that they haven’t done anything wrong, that all criticisms leveled against them are false. That takes so much energy, so much thought, that there isn’t nearly as much energy or focus left to actually get done what really matters. To focus on the love of God and the goodness of the Lord. To help those around you.

By contrast, look at Jesus, who is “meek and humble of heart.” Watch His meekness at work during His trial. Look at how strong He looks, as He is accused by the Sanhedrin, mocked by Herod, and interrogated by Pilate. They’re all frantic and angry and confused and desperate. The Pharisees want to justify themselves. Pilate wants to protect himself. Herod wants to indulge himself. And Jesus stands there, unmoved, uninterested in justifying Himself, defending Himself, or keeping Himself safe. 

He is meek. He knows who He is and He knows what the will of God is. And He is the strong man, surrounded by weaklings.  

Four

Meekness as Strength

The meek are the high achievers, the ones who have the strength to make a difference. Moses, who defied the Pharaoh, who brought a nation into the wilderness and out the other side, Moses, the Bible says, “Was the meekest of all men on earth” (Numbers 12:3).

And King David, the supreme warrior-King, the original giant-slayer, was praised in Psalm 132, “Lord, remember David, in his great meekness.”

Or in our own national history, look at someone like Abraham Lincoln, perhaps the most monumental American figure. His outstanding quality, by all accounts, was his meekness; the way he never bragged and never reacted to personal attacks. 

Do you want to have the strength to do something worthwhile with your life, to leave your mark upon the earth? Then develop meekness. And be blessed.

Five

Developing the Strength of Meekness

So how do we develop meekness? Aquinas teaches that meekness controls the emotions of anger and fear and tempers strength with reason and love. It's not passivity, it’s self-mastery. 

Meekness begins with trust in Providence. If God is your Father, you don’t have to seize control, defend your ego, or prove your worth. You’re already held, already known, already safe. When anger or defensiveness flares up, stop. Don’t react. Listen. Is there truth in the criticism? Something to acknowledge and correct? 

Meekness grows when you care more about obeying God than looking good. Then respond calmly, clearly, and with purpose. Don’t lash out and don’t shut down. Govern your emotions. They’re real, but they don’t rule you. You rule them, by grace, through reason, for love.

You can gain meekness, but only with the resolution to practice these steps today. So, let’s start because meekness is for those who want to change the world. “For they shall inherit the earth.” That means you.

Suggested Resolutions:

Choose one resolution for today to help you grow closer to God, or create your own. Here are some ideas to inspire you. 

• Are you preoccupied with self-promotion and self-justification? This week, try letting things go instead of fighting to prove yourself to others.

• Meekness isn’t about letting people walk all over you, but it’s important not to lash out blindly. Whatever is thrown at you, practice holding your tongue, waiting to respond until you’ve had time to think things over.

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