Blessed are the Meek

The second Beatitude is Blessed are the Meek.

Meekness is the virtue, the calm strength that harnesses the power of anger and uses it for good.

Unfortunately, until now, you thought meekness meant weakness – but it is just the opposite.

The word meek comes from the Greek word “praus” (prah-oos) which means strength under control and it was used to define a horse trained for battle.

The war horse had ‘power under authority,’ ‘strength under control.’   A war horse never ceased to be determined, strong and passionate.   However, it learned to bring its nature under the discipline of its rider. It gave up being out of control and rebellious.

To understand the meek picture a great stallion at full gallop on a field of battle, who —at his master’s voice— seizes up to an instant halt awaiting the next order.

We don’t want to get rid of the power of anger – just harness it and direct it for good.