In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, the Gospel for today depicts the pride of the Pharisee and the humility of the publican. We must keep our hearts contrite and humble before Almighty God. We cannot attribute to ourselves any talent, any success, any good work, any gift of God. We must clearly distinguish within ourselves what is ours and what is God’s.
We must learn to love the hidden life and seek it. It is not brilliant talent, nor natural virtue, nor making much ado, that brings souls to God. Be humble in the presence of your neighbor. Bear his weaknesses, understand his infirmities, excuse his faults. Attract souls by patience, meekness and kindness in all that you do. Carry willingly another’s burden. Make yourself the servant of all. Christ came to serve, and not be served. We must learn to be humble in our own opinion, recognize our sins and accept the humiliations which are brought upon us by our incompetence, our lack of success, and our mistakes. Follow Christ on the road to Calvary.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
