Kathryn Lopez
From the Imitation of Christ (and today’s Liturgy of the Hours):
When a man humbles himself for his faults, he more easily pleases others and mollifies those he has angered.
God protects and frees a humble man; He loves and consoles a humble man; He favors a humble man; He showers him with graces; then, after his suffering, God raises him up to glory.
He reveals His secrets to a humble man and in His kindness invitingly draws that man to Himself. When a humble man is brought to confusion, he experiences peace, because he stands firm in God and not in this world. Do not think that you have made any progress unless you feel that you are the lowest of all men.
Above all things, keep peace within yourself, then you will be able to create peace among others. It is better to be peaceful than learned.
The passionate man often thinks evil of a good man and easily believes the worst; a good and peaceful man turns all things to good.
A man who lives at peace suspects no one. But a man who is tense and agitated by evil is troubled with all kinds of suspicions; he is never at peace with himself, nor does he permit others to be at peace.
He often speaks when he should be silent, and he fails to say what would be truly useful. He is well aware of the obligations of others but neglects his own.
So be zealous first of all with yourself, and then you will be more justified in expressing zeal for your neighbor.
You are good at excusing and justifying your own deeds, and yet you will not listen to the excuses of others. It would be more just to accuse yourself and excuse your neighbor.
If you wish others to put up with you, first put up with them.
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