A true disciple knows another’s woes as his own, he bows to all and despises none.
Greetings dear family of our beloved Saviour, Jesus Christ. May the love of God be always our joy and consolation. May He fill our hearts with goodness and mercy. Amen
Those beautiful words at the top of this page are taken from a hymn and were quoted by Ghandi. I think that this verse, although small, says so much: “A true disciple knows another’s woes as his own.” This is love. Our Bible tells us: “If one member suffers, all suffer together.” (1Cor 12:26) And also: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) And finally: “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbour.” (1Cor 10:24) How beautiful these words are, but they all demand that we put others needs ahead of our own, this is the law of love.
“He bows to all and despises none.” This is humility. Love and humility are what is needed to be close to God, but are so lacking in our world today. We must always be obedience to Holy Mother Church if we wish to practice humility. Divisions in the Church are often a result of pride – where there is love and humility there is always obedience. Our world has so many problems, so much violence and hatred. The strange thing is that everyone knows the answer to this problem, and the answer is love. But to love truly one has to have humility and that is what is missing.
True love demands that we renounce self and serve others; this however requires humility. Jesus is the greatest teacher of love because He came in all humility to serve – not to be served. He came to be the servant of all; He gave up His place in Heaven and humbled Himself, even to the point of giving His life for us in the most terrible and humiliating manner. Jesus now asks that we follow Him, that we renounce self and become the servants of others. This is love, and it is through this love that we shall win souls for Jesus; through the example of our good lives, the strength of our love, and the depth of our humility we shall change our world. Let us pray for our world that it may come to recognise the light of Christ’s words and the depth of God’s love.
Heavenly Father, we beg of You by the love and humility of Your Son Jesus Christ, to pour down Your Holy Spirit, granting light and pardon to all those souls who are lacking in love and have the greater need of Your mercy and forgiveness. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen
