Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. (Luke 6: 20-22)

We might also read, "blessed are you who are reduced to asking or reduced to begging, for yours is the kingdom of God."

We prefer to avoid asking. Too often it strikes us - men in particular - as demonstrating weakness and dependence.

"Precisely," might be the response of Jesus. "Until you accept your weakness and dependence on God it is not possible to experience the reign of God."