Humility and Freedom

10-26-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Jesus simplifies what true righteousness is all about. It is not self-righteousness. And Jesus simplifies what Holiness is all about. Righteousness and Holiness Begin with Humility: “Oh God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This prayer echoes the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk. 18:9–14), where the one who acknowledges his need for mercy goes home justified and aware of God's grace.

Remember, we have received more than we have achieved in this life. Passion for human excellence should go hand in hand with genuine compassion. A “self-made” person is laudable, but a “grace-filled” person is more laudable. Do we picture ourselves as one resting on our laurels, or one relying on prayers? Let us not forget that everything we have is a gift, so that our hearts are grounded in gratitude and not pride.

Pray that the Lord may free us from all that imprisons us, a heartfelt prayer for interior freedom. Whether it's fear, addiction, insecurity, or regret, God’s mercy is the path to inner freedom. May the Lord free us especially from our addictions and attachments, and from our fears and insecurities. What can set us free from our anxieties about the past, restlessness about the present, and worries about the future? Sincere prayer and trust in God can set us free. There are many things in life that we cannot understand, explain, or control. - Let go and let God is a spiritu al discipline of surrendering what we cannot control and instead trusting the Lord.

It took us more than an hour praying the Stations of the Cross while climbing the Mountain of the Cross, and nearly another hour to reach Apparition Hill. Both were tests of physical strength and endurance. The climb is not easy—sharp rocks underfoot, a rugged path, and a steep ascent. - So, it is in life. We may need to stop and rest, but we must not give up. We have to keep moving forward, supporting one another along the way. In the end, we will reach our final destination, filled with peace, knowing we did our best and did not make the journey harder for others.

Climbing the mountain of the Cross and the Apparition Hill of Medjugorje was difficult, but even more so the descent. In life, it’s easy to be proud when we are on our way to the top, but it's challenging to be humble when we are on our way down. It is easy to be unforgiving, yet demanding to forgive. It is easy to be passionate in our work, and challenging to be compassionate to our fellow workers.”

Next Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Souls Day, which reminds us that we will carry nothing with us when we leave this world except the love, faith, and goodness we have shared. “May the souls of the faithful de parted rest in peace.” And may we, the living, also have peace in our hearts!

Lord, help us to live a happy, meaningful, and grace-filled life!