Poverty of Spirit

 

 

The attitude of spiritual poverty is not meant just for those in religious life. As the soul tries to obtain closer union with God, it realizes that it must die to self in order for the Lord to increase. Scripture says, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). It also tells us, “Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 Jn 2:15- 16). This retreat will provide an opportunity to discover, or perhaps rediscover, the true wealth which comes to us from living a life of spiritual poverty. This retreat will use as a launching point, Poverty of Spirit by Johannes Baptist Metz, and will explore the nature of spiritual poverty as well as the different types of spiritual poverty to which we are called. We will look to monastic perspectives, Scripture, and the lives of the Saints to further support our study.

 

Fr. Angelus Echeverry, has been a monk of Valyermo since 2011. He holds a Masters in Classical Music Composition and is currently Organist and Choir Master. He has a deep love for what he calls “The 4 M’s of my life”: Music, the Mystical life, the holy Mystery we call Trinity, and Mary, the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God. To listen to Fr. Angelus’ music, please visit: www.angelusecheverry.com