God chose to manifest his power not by amazing feats of greatness but rather through small acts of humility, choosing to enter the world as a child born of a woman, Pope Francis said.
In January, I was on a men’s retreat in the Boundary Waters and had to leave early for a family emergency. My 6-year-old son Isaiah, who had a congenital heart defect and other serious health issues, was admitted to the hospital for his 50th — and last — time. He died the following Friday while holding my hand.
The last full week of September felt like our entire country had an encounter with a saint. People I met who were paying attention to the visit of our Holy Father were surprised by joy. Many could not explain what was happening in them as they watched Pope Francis on TV or waved at him from a crowd.
Remember the last time you saw a child receive a gift, and the joy and excitement on his or her face when he or she realized that the gift was his or hers to rip open and discover the treasure within? Remember the child’s thank you facilitated by Mom and Dad? It was the gift that taught the child that someone loves him or her, and wants to give him or her joy.
I have seen many people — politicians, celebrities, even priests — especially in Uganda where I grew up, demanding honor and respect from others. Being honored and respected is good. But, if we overly demand it from others, it may not be good. The readings of this Sunday challenge us as Jesus’ followers to learn to be humble.
Early Monday morning, Marcelle Diedrich was half asleep when she heard the news on her radio that Pope Benedict XVI will resign at the end of the month.
During the days of government shutdown, political standoffs and ideological battles, it amazes me how sure everyone is about their position.
It reminds me of an article I read by David Brooks written for The New York Times in which he observed in our country an increasing kind of overconfidence and inflated sense of our abilities, intelligence and self-esteem.
