March 18, 2014:
“Whoever humbles himself
shall be exalted” (Mathew 23:12)
The decision of Pope Francis to live in Santa
Marta instead of the papal palace, to eat with the visiting bishops and staff
of the hotel, choosing to wear the simple vestments of a bishop, opting to have
the retreat outside of the Vatican, and many such actions are in humility.
Pope’s decision to withhold conferring the title ‘Monsignor’ to any aspiring
priest in any given diocese until they are over 65 raised a few eyebrows among
the bishops. Even the bishops who were raised the college of Cardinals were
told to forgo lavish parties reminding that it is a ministry of service and not
of honor and prestige. These are lessons in humility by Pope Francis. We can
perceive a sense of freedom with which he lives and conducts his life. It stems
from a stark reminder that every gift and talent we have comes from God. As St.
Paul tells us, “name something you have that you have not received. If then,
you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own”? (1Cor.4:7).
Humility lets us be ourselves. Jesus is inviting us to enjoy this truth and
freedom and live our lives in complete surrender to God. Thomas Merton reminds
us, “For a humble man is not afraid of failure. In fact, he is not afraid of
anything, even of himself, since perfect humility implies confidence in the
power of God, before Whom no other power has any meaning and for whom there is
no such as an obstacle”. Humility brings with it a fruit of peace. It
comes from the conviction that we know who we are and why we are here and what
God has done for us!
We have a lot to learn from Pope Francis even as church
leaders and as lay men and women. We are all invited to head the call of Jesus,
“learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest”
(Mathew 11: 29). Let this day be one we will acknowledge and appreciate one
particular gift that God has bestowed upon you and me. Jesus meek and humble of
heart make our hearts like unto Thine!
God Bless you always!
Sincerely Yours ,
Rev. Cyriac Chandy Mattathilanickal, MS La Salette Retreat & Conference Center Director
Wishing you and yours a Holy Lenten Season!
Blessings always!
Fr. Tom Puthusseril, M.S.
Shrine Director
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