“Jesus emptied Himself; He became poor and simple as other human beings are.” (cf. Jn 3:16; Phil 2:6-11)
I love this other image of the Kenosis (Greek for “emptiness”) of Jesus. He made Himself small. He understands His mission, the plans of the Father and His mercy to the people. That is why, when I go and stay in the villages, another Kenosis is in my missionary experience. I should become a servant to people, so that people see in me the merciful Father.
God is using mercy with me. He is in me as I insert myself into the hearts of people. God is empowering my personality. I am not that powerful person among them, but the servant minister, taken in God’s name as His messenger. This is the reason for the call to live in humility, being a servant, a humble servant.
I always believe myself, where there is humility, there is also poverty. The poverty of my spirit, simple lifestyle and moderation. We should follow Christ, who was rich but made Himself poor, so that in His poverty, we become rich. Jesus emptied Himself, a real challenge on my part. To live in poverty is part of my missionary journey, though I could not really be that completely materially poor as the local people are.
I also acknowledge that two contrasts are found in my personality, the richness and poverty, the meek lamb and the fierce wolves, greedy and generous in some sense. How to work out so that the goodness would shine? That is the call to live in humility, because out of humility, generosity, kindness, concern and sharing follow.
In the manner of my commitments, how many hours do I spend for work and for God? At times, we complain in so many things. At times, in Chikowa, I feel so disgusted with the brothers always complaining about food and other things. I don’t know if they are really that rich in their homes. This is not racial discrimination, but I have seen a lot of African confreres complaining what are on the table, what is in the structure, what are in the programs, what are in the store rooms etc. Are they really living in abundance since childhood? Then, they are so lucky!
We are to rejoice on what is so set for us! I have seen a lot of confreres quarrelling about money, about properties in the house, wanting to own them, even television channels, because others are not contributing for the 10% as they come from poor countries, what hypocrisy! As missionaries, we are not productive in terms of money. We are not managers of what we receive, what we produce. We share!
Monday, 24 January 2011
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