Chapter Eight – Even A Blind Man Knows . . .

Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, John Vianney, Thomas More, and John Paul II are just five examples drawn from thousands of men and women over the past two thousand years that have taken the Gospel seriously. Matthew shows us that through their lives, we can catch a glimpse of how it would unfold if we took the life teachings of Jesus seriously. In this chapter Matthew delves into the lives of these five people to highlight what made them so impactful on humankind and what we can hopefully take away as inspiration for our own lives.

Francis of Assisi has been hailed by historians, praised by religious leaders of all beliefs, and quoted by presidents. During his lifetime and for every age since, this man of poverty captured the world through a life lived of simplicity, humility, and prayer. Called to “rebuild my Church,” Francis spent his life living the Gospel as a force of renewal in the Church. It was Francis who invented the Nativity scene to draw attention to the powerful paradox of God’s son being born in the poverty of a stable. A lover of nature, his statue is commonly seen in gardens all over the world. Francis was real and strived with all his heart to live an authentic life. He was a practical example of the power of one authentic life indelibly engraved upon history.

Kipling described Calcutta as “the city of a dreadful night.” Mother Teresa founded the Sisters of Charity and lived among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. She stepped into the classroom of silence, sat down with her God and said, “How can I help?” Over the next twenty years she would capture the imagination of the whole world simply by living the Gospel. Such is the potency and spellbinding power the Gospel holds when it is actually lived. Matthew Kelly asked himself where the power to love so deeply came from in her life? Where does the strength to serve so selflessly come from? What is the source of her extraordinary ability to inspire? Mother Teresa’s power to love, her strength to endure, and her gift to inspire, all came from the classroom of silence. She placed Jesus at the center of her life knowing that action without prayer was worth nothing. Mother Teresa showed us that every time we choose to love God and neighbor we change the course of human history, because our holiness echoes in the lives of people in other places and other times.

John Vianney spent his life in the small town of Ars France as the curé (parish priest). Over the course of 40 years, through a life of prayer, fasting, and offering all his sacrifices to God for the conversion of his people, he helped his people become people of prayer and good living. This turnaround in the parish had influence far beyond his tiny town. For the next thirty years the church at Ars was never empty. Thousands visited the “Curé of Ars” to hear his preaching and obtain his advice. During confession they sensed the truth, goodness, and guidance of God himself. John Vianney believed the indifference toward religion and a lust for material comforts were the obstacles to true spirituality. With his own life he showed us all that there is another way.  

I recall with fondness the movie A Man for All Seasons. As Matthew also noted, Thomas More’s life and story was captivating as we witnessed a man of conviction. He had taken an oath and knew that it was all about himself as the guarantor. When he refused to be bribed or give in to threats on his life in defiance of King Henry VIII, he chose death instead of compromising virtue. Falsely accused of treason, Thomas More was executed. He faced and overcame the enticements of this world. He demonstrated that we could live among the world and yet not belong to the world. He found something within himself without which life was valueless. That was a life lived of selfless and virtuous leadership.

The life of Karol Wojtyla staggers the imagination. He was so centrally involved in so many aspects of life for so many historical moments it almost seems unbelievable from his work as Archbishop of Kraków, to his critical work at Vatican II, to his enduring influence as Bishop of Rome, Pope John Paul II was a man perfectly suited to his era but a man before his time. As Matthew writes, “It will take centuries for the collective human consciousness to understand and appreciate his depth, insight, wisdom, and worldview. He was a priest, prophet, pope, but first and foremost a man of prayer. With him he carried a truth and a wisdom that were so apparent that people of all religious beliefs and those of no religious belief were awed by his presence. He was a bright light and a breath of fresh air for the Church. He was an expression of authenticity in a world filled with men, women, and children who yearn for the authentic.     

Catherine of Siena wrote, “If you are what you should be you will set the whole world on fire.” Matthew closes by telling us that it’s a strange thing, but even a blind man knows when he is in the presence of a great light. The world needs you and me to be such a light.

 

Question

Who is your role model in life? What have they taught you that can help you life a life of holiness?

In peace,
Dan