Chris Campbell
“‘I am not worthy to have you come under my roof’…
‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’”
Beloved in the body of Christ,
Today's readings reminded me of a poem by George Herbert:
Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked any thing.
A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:
Love said, You shall be he.
I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
Who made the eyes but I?
Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?
My dear, then I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:
So I did sit and eat.
Humility is a complicated notion. I constantly fight against whether I am practicing it or being self-deprecating in my understanding of myself. However, it occurred to me that perhaps this is part of the equation that is mortal existence.
While much can be pulled from Herbert’s poem, I believe the most important point to be pulled, so far as humility goes, is that only Love provides us with fulfillment.
But how is this the case? And how is this possible? “Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.” This can be understood by examining the message which Socrates received from the oracle at Delphi, who said “know thyself” to which he responded “the only thing I know is that I know nothing” when the oracle responded then “that he was the wisest man alive” we must recognize it was because of his humility that she presented him with this title.
Throughout his life, Socrates traveled the world hoping to disprove the oracle, but never could. Everyone he spoke to was over-occupied with the politics and goings-on of the mortal world, so sure of what morality is, and unwilling to be swayed. In the end, Socrates was put to death because of his humility—he was happy to accept it.
Paul says to the Colossians “Put to death whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.” This is because any of us who would cling to the temptations of the flesh are unwilling to accept the grace of God. Like Socrates we are asked to walk a life of unknowing, but also like him—if we accept humility—we are granted the wisdom of knowing nothing.
May you live in Truth, Peace, and Love,
Chris Campbell