Humbly living the Word

[MariaChristi]

We cannot examine one single fact in the life of Jesus Christ without observing that humility was the groundwork of his whole existence. His mission being to enlighten the universe, it would appear to human views that he should have taken immediate measures to diffuse the universal knowledge of the true God, and that by the manifestation of his wisdom and power he should have proved the divinity of his person and his mission to the two greatest nations of the earth—the Romans, masters of the world, and the Greeks, distinguished above all other people for their refinement of taste and extensive acquaintance with the fine arts. By discovering to the chiefs and magistrates of Rome the errors of idolatry, by leading the Grecian philosophers into the path of truth, he would soon have paved the way for the unlimited dissemination of the true religion. He could undoubtedly have done so, but these glorious conquests he reserved for his apostles and chose for the field of his own labors the much-despised province of Judea, although the success of his exertions in this insignificant portion of the globe seemed little likely to be followed by any useful results for the world at large…

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The above paragraph is taken from the book, The Interior Life of Jesus and Mary by Fr. Grou, SJ. I’m posting it today on this Feast of Sts Timothy and Titus, Bishops to whom St. Paul wrote letters of encouragement both for pastors and people alike. It seems to me that it is in the poor witness of our faith, that many of us-- clergy and people alike – fail. Why? The Gospel gives me my answer, in the parable of the Sower and the Seed. The Sower of course is Jesus, and the Seed is His Word. If we are not bearing good fruit then we need to look no further than our hearts in which we find the soil into which the seed was planted. (cf Mt.13)

Clergy and people alike are called to holiness in Christ. We are by our baptism, born anew by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ to live a new Life. Yet, how many learn early to look to the Heart of Jesus and learn from Him to be Meek and Humble of Heart? How many learn early to listen to the Word of God seriously as God speaking to us, as His own family. Not too many it seems. If there were even a few of us really on Fire with the Love of Christ and His Love for souls, it seems to me the Light in this dark world would not be growing dim. Fr. Grou says much in His first sentence of this chapter 23, entitled “Commencement of the Preaching of Jesus Christ” which I underlined above. A few pages later he drives home his point of how important humility is to Jesus:

…In the villages and hamlets of Galilee, the most obscure portion of Judca, the province whence no prophet had ever arisen, the Lawgiver and Saviour of men opens his public career. The first objects of his notice are low-born, ignorant, uncouth fishermen ; from among the poor he selects the first hearers of his Gospel, and by this mark, still more than by his miracles, of which the poor were the principal objects, he wishes that the disciples of St. John should recognize him…

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of two holy Bishops, Sts. Timothy and Titus, let us pray for our bishops and all clergy ordained to preach the word, and let us pray for all God’s people called to listen to God’s Holy Word. May we like Mary our humble Mother, by the Holy Spirit, keep His Word in our hearts that we may live His Life in this world as she and all the saints have done. We preach by our lives as well as our words. In the humble soil of our hearts, may God bring forth good fruit.

 

[Polycarp1]

The trouble with humility is that when you think you’ve got it…you don’t!

 

[MariaChristi]

The trouble with humility is that when you think you’ve got it…you don’t!

Dear Polycarp,

Methinks the trouble is not with “humility” but with any of us thinking about “self” having that virtue! Better to learn from Him Who is Meek and Humble – better to keep our eyes on Jesus! Thanks for your reply

A very wise priest once told me, more saints are made by pondering the Crucifix, than anything else. He may be right.