Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel 4 November 2017
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14, 11
God hid a lot of treasure in our world , and just like for a pearl fisher it can mean an immeasurable wealth for us as well to look for and find these treasures . The saints , very wisely look at humbleness as the birthmother of virtue.! Humbleness is the only one gate through which we can enter the Kingdom of God . It is quite certain that without the virtue of wisdom or courage we can still be dear to God and our fellow human beings , but arrogantly , without humility we can be glittering in all our physical beauty, with intellectual abilities , we may even amass spiritual values yet we will face rejection! In the kingdom of heaven one can find thieves , murderers , fornicators , many accused of grave sins , let’s think of the right thief, or Mary Magdalene , who is honoured, by the Church as a saint, but it is quite certain that there will be no haughty/arrogant ones !
In Gyulafehérvár as a novice we studied and stayed all day in the theological college but at night we all went over to a large dormitory , situated in the former episcopal stable. Every evening I went past the ancient cathedral! I always stopped for a prayer or two , but on one occasion I knelt down on the snow-covered doorstep and straightaway a beautiful red light flashed into my eyes ! The entrance of the ancient walls was always closed off by old doors an through the keyholes and the sanctuary light above the altar, somehow or other appeared at the same height . I know this was just a fluke an unexpected coincidence , but in reality it was there and then that I really understood , that there are secrets that are only revealed to one on their knees ! I prayed a lot there kneeling alone , during the dark winter evenings , into the hopeless nights of the communist dictatorship ! There I understood the message of Mary’s most beautiful name ! Our blessed Lady is called by the saints and the Church as well, Mary, Virgin Most Powerful ! The Infinite Love , the Almighty God also yields to the request , at the wedding in Cana , of His Mother beseeching Him !! God for us, faltering , stumbling people is a great mystery , an unconquerable castle, the only way how we can approach Him is by child-like love as our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said it :"whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15, 16
Deliberatly, just as we practice swimming , reading cycling let’s practice the virtue of humbleness as it can be learned, attained , mastered and slowly it becomes part of you ! Think often about what do you have that you were not given, how long can you keep it, if it comes to that, even your life if your Creator takes His blessing hand off your health , your work ? Embark on the path of humbleness and you‘ll see slowly the little “sisters” of this beautiful virtue, modesty, , kindness, piety, attentiveness , tactfulness and many , many such features that are shining on our redeeming Lord’s face will follow you closely Slowly you’ll understand that it is not the clothes you wear that will give you your dignity , but these beautiful God-given virtues , “wearing” these you ‘ll not only feel great , but they will also make you in the eyes of your Lord God and your fellow human beings as well beautiful, precious ! This wedding garment is what we’ll all have to put on !
With love,
Father Csaba
translated by dr k.e.
photo : A sweet little girl for our home in Szárhegy !
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
"When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
'Give your place to this man,'
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
'My friend, move up to a higher position.'
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 14 1.7-11
Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel 4 November 2017