Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Mk 10:32-45 God’s Humility

Mk 10:32-45 God’s Humility

(Click here for readings)

Being humble means much more than bowing down to the truth. It means reaching out to those who have yet to find or understand the truth. It means being a servant to all. This is God’s humility. He, who knew no sin, touched the sinner; he went out of his way to love those who could not love themselves. He got himself involved.

“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them.”

The person of Christ, his rich humanity and poor divinity, his presence among his people is a striking departure of what ancient man had envisioned before the birth of the Son of God. Legends and myths had all too common an image of God, a bottom line, a common denominator: the desire for a Great God, powerful, almighty, destructive, consuming and ferocious. They got none of it with the meek and humble Christ. His power is his humility which bends the toughest of minds, souls and hearts to his Will, his Father’s Will.

“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

This sounds like some of our prayers during Mass! Instead of asking we are demanding the Lord to, “Take our gifts...” or “Guide our course…” or “Help us to…” Those who translated the Mass into English some forty years ago must have thought that we were too grown up and no longer needed to beg or implore or to humbly ask. Our old translation of the Liturgy is a good reflection of our spoiled children today. Thank God it will soon be revised and maybe with that, our culture of how we ask will change a little too, and for the better. It is amazing how Liturgy and culture are connected and can influence, for better and for worse, our ideas of paternity and eternity.

“Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

One year ago, I helped at a Raider Awakening retreat out in Lubbock. It was an amazing experience to be with so many college students that were not only seeking a deeper relationship with God but also serving him faithfully on a tough secular campus. It was an eye opening experience for me, how the kids were praying, reflecting and maintaining silence throughout the night. Many would be in adoration for hours, anonymously praying for another. Only at the end of the retreat would the retreatants be aware that across the street there was an entire group of students praying for them twenty-four hours, non-stop by name throughout the entire retreat. They were shocked. It was an image of the angels and Saints and the faithfully departed praying for us, without us ever really thinking about it. This is the humility of the Saints: working hard, getting little credit. They imitate the Master well. “Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” God’s humility is nothing more than His Son’s infinite love that radiates through his human heart and dispels the darkness of our loneliness.

We know what it takes and we know how it ends. Let's get too it! As we approach the great and powerful season of Lent, let us strip ourselves of all earthy titles, positions of authority and pretenses of power. Let us go out and meet the sinner more than half-way. Let us humbly ask this through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

4 comments:

  1. Pie Jesu sung by a young girl from Pittsburgh.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjWz_WIhSE

    ReplyDelete
  2. Humility + Lubbock?

    Dear Fr. Alfonse-

    For nearly ten years, I traveled to Lubbock to see a great doctor for thyroid and hormones. I would always try to go to daily Mass while I was there.

    I would go to St.John Neumann or Christ the King Cathedral.

    One morning at Mass, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "This is a humble people, and I have found a home in their hearts."

    I am not surprised that you had a wonderful experience there. . . . .

    Jan Nathan

    ReplyDelete
  3. An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you ought to publish more
    about this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but generally folks don't discuss such topics. To the next! Best wishes!! payday loans linefeed
    Also visit my blog post :: payday loans

    ReplyDelete
  4. Common concepts of further and payday mortgage loan in
    Australia often is easy. Given that these loans are
    generally applied electronically, then you don't have to be fax forms on the other hand documents to the lender.
    Also visit my website - payday loans

    ReplyDelete

Updated: Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or in bad taste are not acceptable and contributors who consistently fall below certain criteria will be permanently blacklisted. Comments must be concise and to the point.Comments are no longer accepted for posts older than 7 days.