Monday, December 19, 2005
Thoughts From Erasmus
How peaceful is the calm of a modest and private life as compared to the lives of those powerful people always in the public eye. How difficult for the celebrity to keep his two feet on the ground and not fall on the slippery path. How difficult to keep perspective. The higher the pedestal, the more devastating the fall. Every honor brings responsibility with it. God’s judgment will fall more severely on those who grab in all directions for honor, knocking everyone else out of the way. His mercy comes more easily to those who realize their weaknesses. Those who set themselves apart to receive honor from men also set themselves apart from the men who receive God’s special graces. Follow Christ’s example. According to the way men think, who was ever more despised and lower than Christ? He fled every honor offered Him–He was above honor. He accepted scorn riding on an ass. Recall to yourself the robe and the crown of thorns and how He was condemned. Recall the horrible way He chose to die. He scorned the world, but He was glorified by the Father. Christ’s Cross will be your salvation–let the Cross be your honor. What good are honors if angels curse you and God looks in the other direction when you pass?
(Erasmus, from Enchiridion Militis Christiani, as translated by John P. Dolan)
(Erasmus, from Enchiridion Militis Christiani, as translated by John P. Dolan)
