‘Seek humility!’ 겸손함을 찾아라!

Judith in the Old Testament prays most sincerely, falling prostrate and putting ashes upon her head: “Your strength is not in numbers, nor does your might depend upon the powerful. You are God of the lowly, helper of those of little account, supporter of the weak, protector of those in despair, savior of those without hope.” (Judith 9:11). Truly, God saves “humble people” and brings low “haughty eyes” (cf. Psalms 18:28). Together with Sr. Gemma Hong who has led the pastoral care for Korean immigrants in the United States for over 30 years, I drove the van from Saint Louis in Missouri to Dallas in Texas to begin our mission for a month. As a starting point of our mission trip, we led a day retreat on the topic of “humility” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Worth Korean Martyrs Catholic Church, Texas, on January 29, 2023. About 50 parishioners participated in the retreat, and most of them were consoled, encouraged, and strengthened spiritually. They willingly and joyfully opened their hearts with the help of mini laughing therapy that was provided as icebreaking of the retreat program. The retreat talks were given three times. As an introduction, parishioners had time to look back and ponder on the past three years that they had to confront the unexpected COVID-19 and the climate crisis as well. They tried to think over “how to live from now on.” The second talk gave them the question of the meaning of seeking the Lord in daily life, which was explained in two key points: loving the Lord and neighbors, and constantly giving thanks to the Lord. The third talk was centered on the topic of “humility” presented in the Bible and in the spiritual life. Then, based on “The Rule” (Regula) of Saint Benedict of Nursia (480-547), “Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers” (Sententiae Patrum Aegyptiorum) translated by St. Martin of Braga (510-579), and “The Seven Victories” (De Septem Victorias) written by Diego de Pantoja (1571-1618), a Spanish Jesuit and missionary to China, the importance and value of humility was pointed out. Finally, as an example of being humble with joy and thanks, a short video clip on the life of Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido (1920-1971), a Spanish journalist and writer, was presented. After lunch, we had time to read and deepen the contexts of “True happiness” (the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12). In the end, some of the participants shared their resolutions voluntarily, and everybody was given a Korean-made lucky pouch that contained seven pieces of the words of God on humility. At 3 p.m., Mass was presided over by Fr. Michael Chang-jun Lee who has an utmost sense of joy, generosity, and hospitality. He celebrated Sunday Mass as an offering celebration of giving thanks, consecration, and making new resolutions. Every moment was truly a gift from God that flowed naturally with the help of the Holy Spirit. And some people said the retreat passed happily and joyfully without noticing the passage of time. The prophet Isaiah says: “Comfort, give comfort to my people!” (Is 40:1). Giving comfort and consolation to Korean immigrants is our mission statement this year. “Comfort,” originally coming from “confortare,” (in Latin) means encouraging, inspiring, empowering, and strengthening one another. “So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.” (Hebrews 12:12-13).