St Alphonsus Liguori

 “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

One of the most remarkable phenomenon in the Judeo-Christian tradition is how God uses the weakness of people to confound the wise. Not only is this uncomfortable for us, it often pushes away those who think of themselves as sane, centered and grounded. Christopher Hitchens, who in his last years was a loud and acerbic critic of religion, asserted that the dark night of the soul was nothing more than depression, a view that is shared by many who call themselves atheists.

Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorists, is a powerful counterbalance to this view. Well educated, he finished his doctoral studies in canon and civil law before he was twenty, but his spirit was not fed by the law. Pursuing a different path, he sought ordination, despite the opposition of his family, because of his desire to share the good news in simple ways. Badly bent physically by rheumatism, and unable to stand erect, he managed to preach popular missions for 26 years. Though a renowned theologian, it was not his learning and fame that touched the hearts of ordinary believers most deeply, but his humility and kindness

Today, ask for the grace of not knowing everything.

What experiences have taught you the value of humility?