Hey there,
Meekness is one of our Catholic Virtues that gets a bad rap. Probably because the meaning of the word has evolved.
Merriam-Webster defines meek as:
1: enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD
2: deficient in spirit and courage : SUBMISSIVE
3: not violent or strong : MODERATE
In today’s push-back, loud culture, being mild and submissive is considered a weakness. It’s cool to be a leader and to stand up to injustices.
So who wants to be meek?
Anyone who wants to go to Heaven!
As Jesus told us at the Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.”
It’s clearly an important virtue for us. St. Francis de Sales called it “the virtue of virtues.”
But, it turns out, the Catholic teaching of meek doesn’t quite match up with Merriam-Webster.
This week’s issue of Genuflect clarifies the Catholic virtue of meekness: the biblical meaning of the word meek, the strength behind it, overcoming the deadly sin of anger, times when anger is appropriate, and balancing gentleness with sternness.
So you can make sure your practice of the virtue of meekness follows Jesus’ teaching … and not the latest trends.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Biblical Meekness
Unless you understand what the word meek meant back in the time of Jesus, you may not truly understand what it means to be called to be “meek and humble of heart.” Elizabeth Pardi explains how it actually involves a special kind of strength.
Do You Know What ‘Meek’ of ‘Meek And Humble of Heart’ Really Means? | Aleteia
Meekness = Strength
It’s much easier to act in anger than it is to control anger. This is the true strength that is required for the virtue of meekness. We can learn much from Saints Francis de Sales and Vincent de Paul about how to overcome our anger.
Meekness is Strength | Catholicism.org
7 Deadly Sins
You’re probably familiar with the 7 deadly sins: lust, greed, envy, anger, pride, and sloth. The Lord has given us 7 virtues to overcome these sins, which we know less about. Here’s the role meekness plays in overcoming anger.
The Seven (7) Deadly Sins, What Are They And How to Combat Them | Catholic Company
Overcoming Anger
With anger, we tend to think about a violent outburst of emotion. But there’s another kind of anger that’s just as bad. It’s the passive-aggressive anger of resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Both are equally important to overcome to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Overcoming Sinful Anger | The Catholic Gentleman
Triggered Culture
It’s not uncommon these days to hear about someone being “triggered.” It means something has offended him and he seeks vengeance. Instead of this kind of belligerence, we are called to show meekness … unless of course, we are battling the devil.
Driving Out a Belligerent Culture: A Priest’s Answer to Satan’s Modern Revolt Against God | ChurchPOP
Overcoming Victimology
In 1993 David Gelernter fell victim to the unabomber. But he doesn’t consider himself a victim. Instead, he has the meekness to remain self-possessed to do good in the face of evil.
The Virtue of Meekness | Catholic Education
A Time For Anger
Meekness tends to be associated with “niceness.” Edward Feser argues that this is a distortion of the virtue of meekness. While it does call for us to show strength to control our anger at times, St. Thomas Aquinas says there are also times when being angry is not evil. Here’s what you need to know.
Against Candy-ass Christianity | Edward Feser
A Lion And a Lamb
In the Scriptures we see two sides of Jesus: gentle and stern. So it can be a challenge for us to understand when we are called to be a lion vs. a lamb. Jesus is the perfect example for us to follow and we need this one driving force.
A Gentle Force: Lessons From Christ as The Lion And The Lamb | Blessed is She
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