Jesus lived what he taught. In the next few weeks we are going to reflect on the Beatitudes both in Jesus’ life and in ours. When Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit” he was pointing to the “anawim”, those who totally depended upon God for everything. Jesus fully embraced the life of the “anawim”. Reflect on St. Paul’s words. “Have the same attitude which was in Christ Jesus: who, though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be seized. Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and accepting the state of a man.” (Philippians 2:5-7) And again in 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that through his poverty, you might become rich.” Jesus, the God-man, embraced our humanity in total dependence upon the Father. He was satisfied to share a meager meal with his disciples or a feast with the rich. He had no place to lay his head. Though he could command the angels to protect him, he allowed himself to be handed over for crucifixion. He had power to perform miracles for the benefit of others, but he did not use this gift for himself. The mystery of living as an “anawin”.