The virtue of gentleness makes us kind and respectful to each other, slow to anger, not judgmental or quarrelsome. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.” (Mathew 5:5) Gentleness, which is a synonym of meekness, is not the same as weakness. It takes strength to restrain ourselves from lashing out in anger when we are provoked. It takes courage to offer kindness to someone one who is acting badly. Prayer, Scripture reading, and the Sacraments will help us learn to be gentle.
Priscilla and Aquila were a Christian couple mentioned in the book of Acts. They worked together as a couple to build up the Kingdom of God, first in Rome, and then traveling and living with St. Paul. An example of their gentleness is related in scripture: a Jew named Apollos “spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way (of God) more accurately.” (Acts 18:25-26) Although their human eyes saw someone who was Baptizing incorrectly, they did not publicly refute his error, but instructed him privately. Apollos became an important leader in the early Church and a saint, himself.
Dear Holy Spirit,
through the intercession of St. Priscilla and St. Aquila, please grant to (names) an
increase in the virtue of gentleness. Help them to follow the example of St. Priscilla
and St. Aquila in their daily lives, being kind and respectful to one
another in all their interactions. Help them to grow in virtue until their love
is as close as humanly possible to Your love for them. Let this love
for each other expand to include all those around them, especially those
in their care. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment