Go slow, stay low
The story is told about a woman who climbed the Alps with two experienced guides. As they neared the peak, she ran towards the wonderful view and was almost blown away by the wind. One of the guides caught her and pulled her down, saying: “On your knees, Madam! You are safe here only on your knees.”
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Today is the Feast of the Santo Niño, the Holy Child. In today’s Gospel (Matthew 18: 1-5, 10), Jesus tells His disciples: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus goes on to laud the basic characteristic of a child: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” May we never forget that the higher we go, the more humble we should be. Childlike is the key to a peaceful and meaningful life.
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Humility is the key to the Kingdom of Heaven. Children have the key. Many of us adults lose it or have lost it along the way. So engrossed in our personal worldly agenda, we often forget that life, more than an achievement, is a gift. Proud of your worldly achievements? Look again and see how much more you have received than you have achieved. Remember, our so called achievements are small compared to the blessings we have received from God.
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Jesus called the child over, and the child obeyed. The child must have been scared or shy, but he/she overcame all these at the Lord’s call. When God calls us, are we ready to leave everything or everyone to answer His call? Are we listening to Him at all?
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Perhaps prayer or faith will not solve our problems, but a person of prayer and faith can see and understand problems clearer, and will even accept problems better. Ah, but don’t forget that prayer and faith have actually solved problems. Miracles do happen. The impossible can become possible! If you cannot relate with this thought, maybe it is because you have become a cynical, proud, and cold adult, and have lost the simplicity, humility, and warmth and innocence of a child.
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Humility has become such a lonely word in today’s world that thinks proud, talks proud, and acts proud. Think of any proud person right now: That person will surely be gone, sooner or later. That person can be gone in an instant, or may grow old, sick and helpless, and forgotten someday. That person is me, and you.
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There is so much pride and arrogance, so much bad-mouthing and bashing these days. What has happened to basic respect, decency, and courtesy? We need to heed these words: “Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4: 31-32).
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Is your life getting toxic, and you are burdened with so much stress and pressure? Maybe it’s time to exit from the fast lane, and from the flashbulbs, and take the road of humility and hiddenness. A lot of things fall into place when we humble ourselves, and allow ourselves to go slow and stay low.
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Humble beginnings. That’s how St. Arnold Janssen started the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Steyl, the Netherlands, in 1875. Against all odds, and with not much resources, this humble, prayerful and diligent priest founded a society of missionary priests and brothers, specifically for the China mission. He went on to found two women’s congregations, namely the Holy Spirit Sisters and the Pink Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. St. Arnold Janssen, whose feast day is Jan. 15, reminds us again that humility is the key to start, continue, and fulfill whatever endeavor or mission we undertake in this life.
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Congratulations to people who have come a long way from simple and humble beginnings. These “self-made” people are admirable and inspiring, but the problem comes when they become proud and arrogant, and forget the source of all their success and blessings. To those who have come a long way, make sure that you did not go far away from God. To those who fly at high altitudes in life, make sure that you have not acquired bad attitudes.
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Think about this: “One day, we all will depart on a journey free of cost. Don’t worry about seat reservation—it is confirmed; the flight is always on time; our good deeds will be our luggage; humility will be our passport; kindness will be our visa; and lots of love will upgrade us to business class.” Think about this, too: “One great form of wealth is kindness. It does not diminish no matter how much you give of it. You are wealthier every time you share it.”
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, remind us to go slow and stay low as we journey through life with You. Amen.
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