The Poverty I Knew
Scripture
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.” — Luke 4:18 (NABRE)
Signs of the Times
Poverty is not only a lack of material wealth; it is a wound on the dignity of persons which breaks relationships and robs hope. Yet, from the depths of poverty, the human spirit can rise—touched by grace—into compassion and solidarity. The Church reminds us that the poor are not objects of pity, but subjects of history.
Experience
I was born into poverty. Our family was poor: I experienced hardship, hunger, and the silent shame that often comes with it. Yet, poverty also taught me something: how to persevere, how to hope in small things, and how to trust that God sees what is hidden.
Even as a child, I knew: hardship is real, but it need not define us forever.
Reflection
In my Philosophical Exposition on Poverty, I reflected on how poverty is not merely economic; it is spiritual and moral. The poor are often trapped by structures of injustice, ignorance, and human pride. As Hegel’s concept of Geist reveals, the Spirit must move history toward greater human freedom and dignity.
Vatican II teaches: “The joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the people of our time . . . especially of those who are poor or afflicted in any way, are also the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ” (Gaudium et Spes, 1).
Franciscan spirituality reminds me that Lady Poverty can be a teacher. She teaches simplicity, gratitude, and trust in God, but also calls us to work for justice and dignity. I now see that my experience of poverty was not for shame, but for compassion—that I may walk with others and help them rise.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You who became poor to enrich us with Your grace, bless all those who suffer in poverty today. Give us courage to face hardship with trust. Give us compassion to walk with the poor in dignity. Give us vision to build a more just and merciful society. May Your Spirit move in history to heal wounds, transform structures, and raise the lowly. Amen.
Existential Question for Discernment
What has poverty—in any form—taught me? How can I walk with the poor, not in pity, but in solidarity?
Michael Manzano Bantolin is a Filipino writer, spiritual discerner, and advocate for justice, unity, and simplicity. He received his Master of Arts in religious studies from St. Louis University, Baguio.