By Michael Howard
JESUS’ call to meekness is a challenge of strength.
Our world can be obnoxious and aggressive, meekness is rarely held out to be a virtue.
The meek are seen as being soft or submissive, out of step with modernity’s plea for us to be assertive and ‘take up space.’
Yet, we shouldn’t understate the power of a gentle and humble heart (Mt 11:29).
For meekness is a summary of Christian theology.
We are taught to correct our brothers, defend the faith and treat our enemies, all with a certain gentleness (Gal 6:1; 1 Pet 3:16; Tim 2:25).
Meekness is central to being a Christian, which is far from being a pushover.
In fact it’s the opposite.
Christian meekness is the balance between Jesus whipping those desecrating the temple, and embracing the prostitute at His feet.
Christian meekness conquered the Roman Empire.
Those who heard the Sermon on the Mount went on to influence generations of Christians, who despite brutal persecution, overcame the old gods, the gods of the colosseum, the gods of war, the gods of cruel tyrants.
The leviathan of the Roman state, after centuries of pagan rule, would finally convert to Christianity through the meekness of the martyrs.
Whether it be St Peter’s crucifixion, St Paul’s beheading or St Stephen’s stoning, it’s clear that the meekness of Christianity is not the same as softness or submission.
St Maximus the Confessor describes meekness as ‘kind and tender council’, which can tame the wild beasts of sin.
This sort of meekness is being gentle with one’s brothers, whilst maintaining a firm conviction.
This Lent, we should strive to be of the meekness Jesus called for on Mount Sinai.
Let us heed the call to meekness and reclaim our great strength as Christians.
Michael Howard is studying law at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. As a member of St Gerard Majella’s Church, West Chermside, he has developed a passion for Catholic thought.
