Pope Francis on the Magnificat

ST. JOSEMARIA: HUMILITY IS NECESSARY FOR THE GROWTH OF GOD’S GRACE IN US.

ST. JOSEMARIA: HUMILITY IS NECESSARY FOR THE GROWTH OF GOD’S GRACE IN US.

Humility is needed if grace is to make us grow and be effective.

“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart…” The humility of Jesus!… What a lesson for you who are a poor earthenware vessel. He – always merciful – has raised you up, and made the light of the sun of grace shine upon your baseness, which has now been freely exalted. And you, how often you have covered your pride under a cloak of dignity or justice…! And how many chances to learn from the Master you have wasted by not knowing how to supernaturalize them! St Bernard exhorts us not to allow such a precious example to go for nothing.

Only through humility can we produce lasting fruits. I read in an old spiritual book, St. Josemaria told us, that trees that have very high, upstanding branches do not have much fruit. On the other hand, trees with low, fallen branches, are full of rich, delicious fruit. And the closer they are to the ground, the more abundant the fruit is. My children, ask for humility which is such a precious virtue. Why are we so foolish? We are always so convinced that our way is the best and always sure that we are right. The soul soaks up vanity and pride like a lump of sugar soaking up water. If you want to be happy, be humble. Reject the deceitful insinuations of the devil when he suggests that you are so wonderful. You and I have understood that, unfortunately, we amount to very little. But when we take our Lord into account, it’s another story. We owe him everything.

I am certain that the Holy Spirit will sometimes let you see that you are producing good fruit, as a pledge of the reward that is in store for your loyalty. That is the moment to say: “Lord, it is indeed certain that in spite of my wretchedness, you have managed to grow fruit in the midst of so great a wilderness. Thank you. Deo gratias!” (Thanks be to God!)

But at other moments it might be the devil, who is never on vacation, who will come to tempt you to attribute to yourself merits which are not really yours. When you realize that your thoughts and desires, your words and actions and your work are filled with a vain self-complacency, a foolish pride, you must tell the devil: “I have indeed borne fruit, Deo gratias!” (Thanks be to God!) …

We must cherish no other desire than that of clinging to God, in constant praise and glorification of his name, helping him in his divine work of Redemption. Then, our greatest desire will be to teach others to know Jesus Christ, and through Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. And we know that we reach Jesus through Mary, and through keeping close to St Joseph and our Holy Guardian Angels.

Excerpt from the “Book of Meditations” (private collection).

Stay updated: subscribe by email for free TO OUR NEW WEBSITE www.catholicsstrivingforholiness.org (PUT YOUR EMAIL IN THE SUBSCRIBE WIDGET).
We are also in www.fb.com/Catholicsstrivingforholiness. Kindly help more people in their Christian life by liking our page and inviting your family, friends and relatives to do so as well. Thanks in advance and God bless you and your loved ones! Fr. Rolly Arjonillo