September 27, 2004

Dear Friends:

It’s easy to imagine the disciples’ argument about which of them was the greatest. Most likely the “Sons of Thunder” (James “the greater” and John) stirred up the storm and Peter immediately jumped in. Of course Our Lord was so insistent on washing Peter’s feet later because He knew he usually ended up with his foot in his mouth! We’ve all been part of one of these “discussions” at some point, and we know they usually turn into discussing who is the worst. Perhaps the Lord interrupted them before it got really nasty with the admonition to seek the last place.

As the Church honors St. Vincent de Paul today, it seems best to look to his words and example concerning the call to major minority in today’s Gospel. He said very clearly, “The desire to be seen, to be the main topic of conversation, to be praised and told we are doing well and performing wonders is an evil which leads to the forgetfulness of God and the spoiling of our holiest actions. It is the most pernicious vice in our spiritual life. I cannot understand how one who holds as a truth of faith that he who exalts himself shall be humbled can seek to be known as a distinguished, wise, prudent and capable person.”

St. Vincent’s example speaks even more clearly. An angry Jansenist called him an ignoramus and was astonished that his congregation kept him as Superior General. He replied, “I am surprised myself, for I am more ignorant than you can imagine.”

We might not think of the power of humility, but St. Vincent tells us, “the most powerful weapon with which to overcome the devil is humility; because not knowing how to use it, he does not even know how to defend himself from it.” It is powerful of course because God is humble and works powerfully through humble love. Rather than wasting our time comparing ourselves with anyone else, why don’t we ask for the grace to imitate Him who took the place of a slave so that we could adore Him as the Lord.

Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR (community vicar, residing at St. Joseph Friary in Harlem)
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