Putting On the Virtue of Gentleness
December 19, 2022

At this time of rapid change in the history of the Church, the combination of gentleness and firmness is especially necessary. This is particularly so in making decisions. As communities assess their apostolates with a view toward the future, they must have the courage to choose and act. At the same time, they must show gentleness toward those who have great difficulty adapting. Likewise, individuals must have courage in setting growth-goals, but they must be gentle with themselves by recognizing that personal change does not occur overnight, but only gradually. Religious superiors will experience that some in their communities see all things in black and white, while others love only what is grey. Some will use the past as their dominant norm for decision-making, while others will look only to an uncharted future. Superiors will never fully satisfy all these different personalities. They must make decisions with courage and treat with gentleness those who disagree. They must combine in their lives two New Testament sayings: “With the strength that comes from God, bear your share of the hardships the gospel entails,”¹ and “Learn of me that I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”²

¹2 Tim 1:8.
²Mt 11:29.

Source: Fr. Robert P. Maloney, C.M. A Further Look at “Gentleness”

Let us pray

Lord, no matter how well or poorly I do my job, I will have to endure my own limitations and the conflicting expectations of others. Help me to do so with both courage and gentleness.

Scripture

“People listened to me expectantly,
waiting in silence for my counsel.
After I had spoken, they spoke no more;
my words fell gently on their ears.
They waited for me as for showers
and drank in my words as the spring rain.”

Job 29:21-23