Reflection
A few years ago, my Spiritual Director, the late Father Ronan Newbold, C.P., and I were having a series of sessions on my personal prayer life. Those who knew Father Ronan would remember him as a very humble and inspirational priest. At one of our final sessions in the fall of 2020 before he passed away the following spring, he asked me how my prayer life was progressing. I told him that I was encouraged that with his guidance, it was improving, but I was open to additional suggestions. “So what else can I do to improve my prayer life?” I asked. His simple response: “You need to pray with more humility”.
I was stunned and somewhat bewildered. But in a relatively short period of time, I came to realize that Father Ronan’s simple but profound statement would turn out to be one of the pivotal events of my spiritual life. It was simple and undramatic, but somehow more insightful than most things I had previously experienced. I think and reflect on those words every day remembering that statement as if it were yesterday with Father Ronan still here reminding me of the essence of humility.
In a circuitous way, today’s gospel reading brings that statement to mind again. The situation that Jesus presents, at first blush, would seem to require an assertive or even a confrontational attitude.
“……go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” If that doesn’t work…..”take one or two others along with you”, etc.
But how easy is it to convince a relative, a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, a fellow parishioner, or anyone else, that they have injured us in some way. It happens nearly every day in our lives. Unfortunately, unresolved misunderstandings can result in severed relationships that can last for days, weeks, months or even years. We have all witnessed such unfortunate circumstances. When those situations occur, everyone involved is ultimately injured in some way.
Perhaps however, the key to a successful outcome of the situation Jesus presents lies in that wondrous but elusive virtue of humility.
- “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over you brother.” Be certain to approach him with humility.
- “If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Be sure to approach them with humility.
- “If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church.” Be sure to approach the Church with humility.
- “If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” Be sure to continue treating him with respect and humility.
- For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” There is nothing more humbling than to stand together in the presence of the Lord.
Thank you, Father Ronan. May you rest in the bosom of God for eternity.
