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“True Knowledge Leads to Humility”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

July 6 – 7, 2024

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Why do we receive an education? So that we can use our talents to provide for ourselves and our loved ones, for the good of Society, for the good of the Church, and for our own salvation. One of the greatest fruits of education has a significant impact on spiritual life. We learn that we don’t know everything and become humble. The Apostles always had a problem with education. They said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will believe.” Jesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The Apostles didn’t understand that, so they had to continue their education.

Knowledge is a virtue and can produce many fruits. The people of Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, said they knew Him. Obviously, they didn’t because if they had, they would have worshipped Him. True knowledge, used properly, brings about humility. The more I learn, the more I realize that I don’t know everything. Sometimes, people read a book and then say, “Father, I know all about this stuff.” Uh-Huh. Sometimes people try to tell me what the Church believes. “Father, I went to a weekend course on Theology.” Oh, good. I studied Theology for four years; come talk to me when you’re serious. It’s pride that says, “I have knowledge; therefore, I know everything.” True knowledge is the exact opposite. One of the fruits of education can be seen in the creche at Bethlehem. You see three kinds of people around Jesus: the holy – Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother; the shepherds who knew they knew nothing; and the Wisemen who were educated enough to know they knew nothing.

People often ask me questions about the Faith, and that’s good. It may inspire them to read further. Faith seeking understanding is Theology. Now, I’m not a learned guy. I know a few things about a few things. I know some things about the military and work as a hospital chaplain. But other than that, not so much. However, I can refer you to people who are experts in exorcism, Canon Law, and Martial Law. I’m not an expert in those fields and have only a passing knowledge of them. Remember our minds are fallen because of Original Sin and sins committed after Baptism. There is a great book that I read in seminary. It’s the “Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma” by Father Ludwig Ott. It’s a very thick book with a very small print. It helps to have young eyes. I’ve read and reread that book. So, when you come to Confession, you know I’m prepared. But the fruit of that learning is not so that I can bedazzle you with my knowledge. The fruit of knowledge leads to a holy life so that every day we conform our lives closer and closer to Almighty God.

We come here to learn how to use our knowledge in works of faith, hope, and charity. “But Father, I don’t understand everything.” Perfect. You’re in the right place. Will you ever understand everything? No. Only when you are in Heaven will your mind be enlightened. In the meantime, we learn as much as we can and that knowledge, hopefully, will lead us to greater humility. Saint Thomas a Kempis, in his writing about the temptations of Christ, wrote “It is better to have but little knowledge with humility and understanding, than great learning which might make you proud.” Humility with the knowledge we have is love lived out.

Last week, I told you a story about our Most Reverend Bishop, who retired after serving for 20 years as bishop. Although I did not know it, he was very sick. None of us knew he had only one kidney until after he retired. Having only one kidney was debilitating for him. Even as tired as he was after Confirmation here at the church, when I asked him to visit someone in the hospital, he agreed. I knew it would thrill Genevieve for the bishop of the church to visit her. As it turned out, besides Genevieve, there was another woman in the hospital who was being sent home to die. The bishop spent time with them, and he was so compassionate. He had the knowledge, and he put it into practice. That is humility. I’ll say this about myself: I try to do it too. When I work at the hospital, I’ll help nurses and patients and deal with some things that people would consider yucky. But it’s not about me; it’s about that person who is sick. That’s humility, and it’s what I try to practice all the time, but I have an ego as big as the Grand Canyon, so it’s tough. I have letters before and after my name. “I fought for my country.” So did the cook. Shut up! If we don’t have humility, all that knowledge we’re supposed to have is wasted.

Father’s Reflections . . . I will tell you this story so that you know I am almost human . . . almost. The other day I had a severe temptation. If you guessed it was for fish, you’d be wrong. I’m getting older and I’m seeing all these doctors. It would be great if I could look at my medical file. I work at the Veterans Hospital, and I can access medical files as part of my work, but I can’t look at my own file. So, I was thinking that maybe I could ask one of my homeboys to look at it although that would be unethical. I just want to find out if a wise doctor put in my expiration date just so I can prepare. But I’m over it. See, I get temptations just like everyone else.

How will you apply this message to your life? ________________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.” On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.” Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.” Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church. Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.”