Franciscan Sister of Christian Chairy Sister Mariella Erdmann comments on “building the Church” with Humility, Reconciliation and Harmony. Read part one of the story here.
2 Humility
St. Francis tells us that, “Here is one of the best means to acquire humility; fix well in mind this maxim: One is as much as he is in the sight of God, and no more.” With an open mind and heart and a little reflection on this maxim, we are bound to be moved to reality.
God created us to be in a relationship of love with Him. Every time we humbly approach the Eucharist let us allow the partaking in the Body and Blood of Christ transform us more into His likeness. Our transformed lives are meant to be shared with others. Christ became poor, lowly, and despised out of love for us and he poured out His life for our salvation. As followers of Christ, we are to, also, pour out our lives for others.
Christ tells us through Scripture how to become like him. In Luke 17:3 it says, “He taught us how to be lowly in nature so that we could forgive those who persecute us.” In Philippians 2:3 we are told to, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
3 Reconciliation and Harmony
Let us turn to the The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis 1982/Revision, 1997, Ch vii 24. “If discord caused by word or deed should occur among them, they should immediately (Mt 18:35) and humbly ask forgiveness of one another even before offering their gift of prayer before God (cf. Mt 5:24). If anyone seriously neglects the form of life all profess, the minister, or others who may know of it, are to admonish that person. Those giving the admonition should neither embarrass nor speak evil of the other, but show great kindness (cf. EpMin 15). Let all be carefully attentive not to become angry or upset because of another’s sin (cf. RegCl 9:3-4). For anger and disturbance impede love in themselves and in others (RegB 7:3)” This statement in the Rule is so sensitively stated. We are all sinners and make mistakes. To be admonished with such compassion, acceptance, kindness and love is in the end more life-giving than anger and speaking critically of another.
