. . .he humbled himself. . .–Philippians 2:8
As we enter Holy Week, we could use more humble people and humble attitudes, especially as we contemplate the example of Jesus’ life. In the life of the Church, Pope Francis had these words to Mexico’s 176 bishops while gathered in the lavish Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary on a visit several years ago, “When the Church congregates in a majestic Cathedral, she should not fail to see herself as a ‘small home’ in which her children can feel comfortable,” the pontiff urged. “We remain in God’s presence only when we are little ones, orphans and beggars.” He went on to say, “A casita, ‘small home,’ is familiar and at the same time sagrada, ‘holy,’ for it is filled by God’s omnipotent greatness. We are guardians of this mystery. Perhaps we have lost the sense of the humble ways of the divine and are tired of offering our own men and women the casita in which they feel close to God” (2/13/16). His words, although directed to bishops, should also speak to the laity as we walk and work in the world.
God’s ways are merciful, loving, and welcoming. God’s words propose, they do not impose. Living in a humble state, gives a person the freedom to ponder negative energies, to discern what God is calling the person to respond to, and to turn a negative energy into a creative good. Indeed, as Thomas Merton states, “To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is to succumb to the violence of our times” (Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander). Many of us working diligently in the area of social justice, can get caught up in trying to do too much. It is only by stepping back and remembering our humble Lord thawe can ever hope to accomplish anything.
This week, as we accompany Jesus to the Cross, let us each take the time to discern what part of the Cross–the world’s wounds today–we are carrying or that we are being called to carry. This week, and going forward, let us each be a “casita sagrada”–a small, holy home that has a big, open door that is our heart. Let us truly become family to one another, humbly crying and laughing together as we build a better life for everyone.
Hosanna!
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC