George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Matthew 5:3
The poor in spirit; [1] which, according to the common exposition, signifies the humble of mind and heart. Yet some understand it of such as are truly in poverty and want, and who bear their indigent condition with patience and resignation. (Witham) --- That is, the humble; and they whose spirit is not set upon riches. (Challoner) --- It is not without reason that the beatitudes are disposed of in this order. Each preceding one prepares the way for what immediately follows, furnishing us in... read more
The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Matthew 5:1-12
Chapter 15 Christ's Missionary Example Multitudes and Disciples Christ's Picture of Blessedness a Gate for Every Man Prayer Almighty God, we thank thee that we have not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto darkness and tempest and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, a sight so terrible that Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and quake"; but we have come to Mount Zion, the city of the Heavenly Jerusalem, the place made sacred by the presence of... read more