Before the gospel reading today, the cantor will sing the gospel acclamation from Matthew 5:3.  
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Do you consider yourself poor in spirit?  The title “poor in spirit” may not ring too favorably in our ears.  As a matter of fact, the term “poor” may not be viewed too favorably at all.  Instead, the word “rich” has a more favorable tone to our ears.  As a matter of fact, the term “rich” is often viewed as favorable.   
When we look more inside ourselves, it does not take long to realize that the human condition is really in a quite poor state of affairs.  We are limited in how much we can acquire.  We are never fully satisfied when we fill up with the things of this world.  We are often left disappointed if we rely too heavily on things to make us happy.  

This year, we celebrate the 800th birthday of St. Francis of Assisi.  St. Francis knew what it was like to be rich in material possessions.  He recognized that the treasurer above all treasurers was found in becoming poor in the world’s eyes, so to become rich in God’s eyes.   
He found his true treasurer in God, and being a servant to those in need.  St. Francis gives us hope that we can live our lives more simply and give more freely.