The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord,
and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
Luke 14
One of my favorite people in heaven is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Since finding out about him in middle school, I have always been drawn to him. His works of charity, along with his courage, strength, and sacrificial love remain a source of inspiration and hope for me.
Blessed Pier Giorgio was a man completely in love with Christ and served Him in the poor, whom he gave his all. He had a strong devotion to Our Lady and her Son in the Eucharist. He was adventurous and athletic and found joy in horseback riding, hiking, and mountain climbing. He was a virtuous, holy man who upheld justice and embraced mercy.
The virtue that stands out the most to me in Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s life is humility. One of my favorite stories that reveal the witness of Frassati’s humility is when he would invite his friends to pray the rosary on hikes. Even though he was the strongest in the group and could easily lead the way, he’d walk with the slowest person. Humility isn’t loud and it isn’t prideful. Humility is gentle and eager to serve, especially to those who cannot repay.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus invites each of us to “take the lowest place,” the place of humility, the place where Christ is found, the place beside the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. Yet this is also the place where the greatest Saints are found. It’s where you and I are called to be.
The thought of humility seems frightening. It’s a difficult virtue to ask for because a prayer for humility is often coupled with memories of past embarrassments and failures. Yet we must not be afraid. Humility is the most freeing of virtues, humility is where Christ is found. Saint Theresa of Calcutta said that if we are truly humble, “neither praise nor disgrace will touch you because you know who you are.” We are Christ’s love, His friends, and we are safe within His Heart.
Claire Couche is a wife, mother, and regular contributor to the Blessed Is She blog. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville where she studied history and theology. She later received her B.S.N. and worked as an oncology nurse. Combining her love of the faith, the medical field, and ethical fashion, Claire is the creator of Moscati Scrubs, an ethical medical scrubs company inspired by the life and miracles of Saint Giuseppe Moscati. You can learn more about her on her website and instagram.