Blessed Are The Meek

Blessed are The Meek

There is a trend in our society in which people like to pose as if they are‘bad boys’, cool, tough, mean and and arrogant. Why? Because the main stream movies and shows on TV potray this kind of act. Forget about Mr. Nice Guy, that is so 20 years ago. If you haven't noticed, just turn on the TV and see it for your self.  Consequently, some viewers are doing exactly like that; copying what they see on TV and applying it in real life; Posing like tough-guys and their implicit message; Don't mess around with me or else!  I sincerely sympathize with people who need to act like this, especially, teens at school.  It is like a survival mode for them otherwise they get bullied.  That is our world, you look weak and nice then people take advantage on you and disrespect you.   Is there any other way to avoid being a prey to others? Fortunately, yes there is, and we can learn it from our true hero, Jesus Christ! He said, learn from me because I am meek and humble!

How are we supposed to act as a Christian? Are we suppose to act tough, arrogant, and mean? Let’s pay attention to what Jesus has said when he was preaching on top of the hill; it is said in Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Indeed! the ones who are meek will win and rule over the earth.  How come? Because those who are meek are strong! Some people think that meekness = weakness, but actually meekness = strength. The etymology of the word “meekness” often relates to controlled strength or harnessed strength. Meekness in Greek is “Prautes”, which means “not easily provoked.” Prautes is a derived from the word “Praus”, which means more like a horse that has been tamed and trained. So, Praus depicts a horse, that is a strong animal, but his strength has been harnessed/trained and easily controlled. What is the relation between “meekness” and the horse ? The relationship here is that someone who is meek will act as a tamed horse does. When there is a trial or someone provokes him, he is not easily angered, but instead his heart is easily guided by the gentle Holy Spirit to do what is right and wise. He is like a trained horse who is calm and the Holy Spirit guides him to make the right decision at that moment. He is strong but yet gentle.  He can win the fist fight but choose not to do so, instead, he uses his strength to quench the anger of the opponent.  He is nice and yet full of authority, charismatic, and influential.  With these values, you will easily gain respect from others, hence, less chance of being bullied or taken advantage of.  You don't need to act like someone else or someone on TV, just be yourself, be meek and humble! A good advice from St. Frances de Sales, “do not give a chance to anger, because just a little of chance will make it takes control over you.”Be more like Jesus as He said “…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:29.   There is a strength in meekness, and only the strong will inherit the earth!