Tuesday, August 21, 2007

To Rise We Must First Descend

Do you wish to rise?
Begin by descending.
You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds?
Lay first the foundation of humility.
It was pride that changed angels into devils;
it is humility that makes men as angels.
St. Augustine

There is a lady at our parish who "pops off" occasionally. She becomes irrascible and irritated for no apparent reason. She has difficulty dealing with people who do not fit her "world view". She can be sarcastic and makes fun of people who try to take their Catholic faith seriously. She thinks she gets away with it but the pastor notices it all. Slowly, steadily, he is instructing her in humility and gentleness. As she is young it will take time.

Tis sad that impatience with others is such a common vice these days. We can attribute it to so very many sources; the fast-paced culture, the worldly entertainment....

There is a saying: "Be the change you wish to see in others." Tis an exercise in humility for we often find ourselves behaving the very same way. Change and holiness grow in the soil of humility. Like the Word of God, it can fall on weedy or rocky soil. To grow in holiness, let us remove the stones and weeds from the gardens of our souls and keep them weed-free. Like the weeding of that garden, we must confess frequently to rid ourselves of the weeds of sin.

Have you been to confession lately?

That's me away then.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my! That reminds me that it has been 3 or 4 months now since I've been; maybe even longer! I'd better go the next time DH goes. (He makes a point to go at least once a month.)

God Bless!

Just Melody said...

I read Coffee Catholic's blog and found your blog through hers. I look forward to reading more of yours.


Blessings


Matthew 5:16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Sign the St. Michael Pledge

Protected by Copyscape Online Copyright Search

Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus

Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus