LISTENING LEADS TO HUMILITY - 9/30/22 (Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church)

Luke 10:16

“Whoever listens to you listens to me.  Whoever rejects you rejects me.  And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/093022.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Jerome! Why is it that there are people who still do not follow Him? Unfortunately, one of the reasons is because of pride. This happens when one person exalts himself and rejects the importance of God in his life. In our gospel reading for today, Jesus was rebuking Chorazin and Bethsaida due to their sins and pride. Because of their sins, they were endangering themselves to hell. To counter pride, we need to persevere in the virtue of humility. And, to be humble, we need to listen to the message of Christ. We can listen to Jesus in at least two ways that we should all do. 

First, we should listen to the Catholic Church. In the gospel reading, our Lord Jesus told His disciples, "Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me." He was referring to His disciples who became the apostles, except for Judas. And, His apostles were the first leaders of the Catholic Church with St. Peter as the first Pope. The message of our Lord was not just limited to the Apostles. He is also pertaining to the Catholic Church today. When we listen to the Catholic Church, we are listening to Christ. But, when we reject His Church, we are rejecting Him. Jesus guides the Church through the Holy Spirit for us to have the assurance of the Truth. To listen to the Church is an opportunity to be humble and acknowledge that God knows what is best for us. It is humility to believe what the Catholic Church says if our opinions or perspective is contrary to it because this is an act of trust in Jesus. St. Jerome was intelligent, and he was given the task to translate the Hebrew Bible to Latin. Despite his intelligence, he did not elevate himself over the Church. This is a sign of his faith in Christ and his humility.

Second, we should listen to God in our prayers. It's true that despite the miracles, people in Chorazin and Bethsaida did not believe in Christ. But, they also did not listen to the voice of Christ in their hearts. A person who prays doesn't just speak to God, but he also listens to Him. St. Jerome was a Catholic, but in his early life, he was distracted by his passion to read the written works of Roman writers like Cicero. However, Cicero promoted contrary beliefs like "academic skepticism" which was the denial of certainty of knowledge. This is directly contrary to our faith that God gives us certainty to know Him. In a dream, St. Jerome saw Jesus who asked who St. Jerome was. St. Jerome said, "I am a Christian." But, Jesus responded, "Liar. You are a Ciceronian, not a Christian, for where your treasure is, there also is your heart.” Because of this, St. Jerome had a conversion, and he offered himself to God by living in silence and in prayer. He was an intellectual scholar of the Bible, but for him, reflecting on God's Word and putting it to practice were more important. 

In our life, we have many distractions. Unfortunately, due to these distractions, we may be unable to see our imperfections. God is calling us to spend time reflecting on the Scriptures and applying it in our lives. In this prayer, it is helpful for us to recognize our sins for us to be more humble before God. When we pray, may we also detach ourselves from distractions in such a way that our focus is primarily on God. Doing this will enable us, by God's grace, to hear His voice.  God will do this because He loves us, and He has a wonderful plan for us. His desire is for us to humbly listen to Him and to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Jerome:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/september-30--st-jerome-doctor/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls