What does “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”(Matt. 5:5) mean?
The meek person is someone who is quiet, kind and simple, who does not quarrel or shout – you never hear his voice raised in the street. He keeps well away from arguments conflicts and lengthy disputes. He is peaceable, doesn’t insist on his own way, is considerate and kind hearted, he gets on well with people and has a sensitive nature and a friendly smile.
These qualities make him popular and loved by all. And because of this – in addition to inheriting the kingdom of God – he inherits the earth, since those who dwell on earth love him, and he lives with them in peace and tranquillity.
St. Augustine, however, interpreted the phrase, ‘will inherit the earth’, to mean ‘the land of the living’, according to what it says in Psalm 27 (v. 13): “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living. ” This ‘land of the living’ is what St. John the Visionary spoke about when he said: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth. ” (Rev. 21:1), and it symbolises the land which overflows with milk and honey.
