Part III, Chapters 1-11
Group 2 - Korean Language Group
(Jung Seung-Ku, JS Kim Jong-Soo, Michael Lee Chun-Seob, Oh Kwang-Cheol)
20October 2006
In this unit, our group focused on experiences of insensibility (chapter 2) and humility (chapters 4-7).
Three protestant students were surprised that Francis mentioned several mystery experiences, for example, ecstasies, raptures, experiences of insensibility, impassability, deific unions, levitations, transformations and other such perfections. Because many Korean protestants knew that catholic church had a formal faith rather than mystic experience. By explaining of chun-sup, we came to know that there are many movements of holy spirit in catholic church. As we know, Francis gave a good definition to us, that is, “such perfections are not virtues. Rather they are rewards which God gives for virtue.” That is very impressive and evangelical definition.
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Francis also explained about ‘humility’ using several chapters. Through his explaining, we can know his theology and attitude for christian life. He distinguished internal humility from external humility. External humility is almost something like vainglory. His expression for internal humility is very impressed to us.
“We often say that we are nothing, that we are misery itself and the refuse of the world. But we would be very sorry if anyone took us at our word and made public that we are such.”
“We pretend to wish to be the last, and seated at the lower end of the table, but it is only to pass to the top with greater advantage.” (P153)
“A truly humble person would like to be told that he is miserable, he is nothing, he is worthless, rather than he himself saying it. At least, if he knows that someone said it of him, he does not contradict it but accepts it with a good heart. (p154)
As further, he explained the difference of between humility and abjection.
Abjection is the littleness, lowliness and meanness whish is in us without our thinking of it. But the true virtue of humility is the real knowledge and voluntary recognition of our abjection.”(p157)
He concluded,
“The highest point of humility consists not only in the voluntary acknowledgment of our abjection but in loving it and taking pleasure in it.”
Here we can see the feature of saint. But that is not only himself. That is his guide to us for being a good Christian. Therefore all Christian who want to be good Christian must follow this guide, however, the road seems to be very difficult for us yet.
Seung-Ku
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