Today, I will resolve to be as meek, gentle, and humble as I can possibly be. I will strive to imitate the quiet and gentle spirit of Christ, especially towards my children, who are the souls that I encounter the most in my day to day life. They have been entrusted to me. I am their guardian and their model. If I desire to be a reliable model to them, then I myself must model the Teacher of all teachers. Since it is so difficult for me to resolve beforehand how I should react in every different situation, I will simply strive to unite my mind and heart to Christ’s. I will pray that He fills me with His graces, particularly with those of patience and humility, so that I may not only bear the wrongs and defiances committed by my children, but that I may discipline and teach them in a way fitting for a Christian.
I do not trust my own judgement on this. I only trust in God’s providence as my Father, who will give me the wisdom that I need in the moments I need them today. I will do my best to call to mind, however, His own words to encourage me as I face my obstacles today:
“A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1; RSV1)
and another:
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstones fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:5-61)
And yet another:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Matthew 11:29; USCCB)
Do help me to imitate you, Lord. Help me to learn from you so that I may take these souls entrusted to me and be a faithful model to them to imitate. Keep not only the fear of You in my heart but more than anything, the love for You and for these souls. Let this love be my guide and principle today and for the rest of my life. Amen.
- RSV Second Catholic Edition; Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Old and New Testament ↩︎
LPC Meditations 