Week after the Ascension - Meekness

"And you also will bear witness, because from the beginning you are with me." St. John, 15:27.

St. Clement Hofbauer, who lived from 1751 to 1820, was called the Apostle of Vienna. Once while giving a mission this saintly Redemptorist also gave a striking example of meekness.

Many fathers of families had lost their lives in the Napoleonic wars, leaving numerous wives and children unprovided for. To care for these orphans Hofbauer founded an orphanage in Warschau, and he personally begged funds to support it.

He entered a restaurant one time, walked up to three men playing cards, and asked them for a contribution to his good work. One of the men, a godless ruffian, cursed the saint and spat in his face. Hofbauer quietly took out his handkerchief, wiped the spit from his cheek, and said without the slightest sign of anger: "That was for me, sir; now please give something for my orphans."

The abusive card-player was struck dumb with astonishment. He flushed and managed a smile, as he reached into his pocket and handed St. Clement all the money he had with him. Some time later he went to confession and became a wholly changed character.

This is just another proof of the truth of Christ's words: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land." St. Matthew, 5:4.

This Second Beatitude is one every Christian needs. True meekness is a rare virtue, yet a necessary one, as Scripture tells us: "Do thy works in meekness, and thou shalt be beloved." Eccl., 3:19.

1. Meekness is a virtue which regulates anger and impatience, envy and revenge.

A. It prevents, forestalls, and checks anger and impatience, when these are not lawful. There is such a thing as "holy anger" or just wrath, a keen displeasure with sin. Ordinarily, however, anger is not law­ful; it must be stopped.

B. Meekness moderates anger when it is lawful. A mother might have a certain justified impatience with a disobedient child. Meekness will temper that impatience, and keep her from flying into a rage.

C. Meekness has a fine sense of knowing when and where and how anger may be shown.

2. This Second Beatitude and the virtue it promotes is opposed to the spirit of the world, which is one of ambition and revenge. Read the records of the United Nations sessions; listen to the representatives of godless Russia rant and rave with white-faced and red-necked anger. There is the worldly spirit. This same spirit we meet everyday. Impa­tience and anger are too common in stores, on the streets, in sports, and social circles, yes, and even in our homes.

3. How pleasant it is to meet and deal with a truly meek person:

A. Who represses every rising impulse to impatience; who controls the urge to "fly off the handle" and to "tell somebody off."

B. Who rejects all desire for revenge; who does not feel that one bad turn deserves another.

C. Who bears patiently the evils that befall him. If his train is late, or the traffic light is against him, or there is an unavoidable delay in his meals, he does not fly into a childish tantrum.

D. Who is gentle and kind to all.

4. Toward whom should we be meek?

A. Toward servants and assistants. Mishaps will occur in every house­hold and every business.

B. Toward those inferior to us by reason of their work, their education, their social position, or their poverty.

C. Toward sinners. This is an important, difficult, but absolutely neces­sary work of meekness. It becomes easier when we think of Christ­ - how He hated sin, yet loved the sinner.

D. Toward enemies and opponents. In every walk of life you will have them, people who think differently from you, who may even oppose your plans out of malice. Toward such you must be meek. St. Clement Hofbauer showed such meekness toward the card player who spat in his face. He won the day.

E. Toward the providence and arrangements of God. A sickness, a set­back, a failure, make some complain against the Lord.

F. Toward ourselves with regard to personal faults and failings. Every­one does stupid things, even sinful things at times. That is no ground to be ureasonably angry with yourself.

5. True meekness brings happiness even in this life:

A. By controlling the heart and the passions.

B. By winning the hearts of others, and gaining influence. Again, think of St. Clement winning his angry friend.

C. By closer resemblance to the meek heart of Christ.

D. By fitting the heart for further graces and gifts of God.

E. By helping the soul to enjoy all things of God.

In these and other ways the meek truly possess the land, even in this world. Above all, they are preparing to take possession of that better and brighter land, the kingdom of heaven. As Jesus tells His true followers today:

"You also will bear witness, because from the beginning you are with me."

When you are meek you are with Christ, working with Him and for Him. When you are meek you are winning a happiness, a beatitude here in this world, and a never-ending happiness in the world to come. Use this prayer often:

"Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine."

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Adapted from Prayers, Precepts and Virtues
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (©1949)