12 November 2013
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Humility requires realism. Humility is not about beating ourselves up, but rather about being honest with ourselves. Jesus wants us to recognize that as we serve God, it is only a matter of us having “done what we were obliged to do.” We are in God’s debt, not the other way around. It may sound harsh, but God does not owe us anything. That is what makes grace so poignant and so powerful, for “grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.”
After a particular shortcoming at one of my ministries, I remember sitting before the Blessed Sacrament and realizing yet again (for I often forget!) that God values me infinitely, regardless of all I try to do for Him or however much I too am an “unprofitable servant.” I realized that God cherished me before my parents even knew I had been conceived. I was not “productive” or “efficient” in my mother’s womb, but the Holy Trinity unconditionally lovingly beheld me then and now. The same is true for you. We have nothing to prove to God, but everything to receive from Him. Let us make a worthy return of His tremendous love.