The first line of the Beatitudes in the gospel Matthew 5:3 says that blessed are the poor in spirit, they shall inherit the kingdom of God.
But in gospel of Luke 6:10, it says that blessed are the poor, for the kingdom of God is theirs.
However we may want to interpret that, we can be sure of this.
To be poor and to live in poverty is not pleasant or comfortable at all.
The poor are often exploited and they suffer injustice especially when the worldly favour falls on the side of the rich and powerful.
Yet, we can be sure of another thing, and that is, God is on the side of the poor.
As we heard in the 1st reading: The poor and the needy ask for water, and there is none, their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the Lord, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them.
Yes, God favours the poor and He is on their side, and God will answer their cries for help because for the poor, God is their only help.
As we heard in the gospel, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm.
God sent John the Baptist to preach the message of repentance and to give hope to the poor and needy that God will come to their help.
The poor is always in our midst. They cry out to God for help.
God is asking us to listen to their cries. Let us go to their aid and with them we too will inherit the kingdom of God.