Ernest Agyemang Yeboah says, “If a great mansion is located in a wrong environment, it loses its real value! So it is, when a great and true genius fails to get the right stage, its real value is least seen!” During the seventeenth century in France, Muretus, a humanist scholar, found himself as a sickly fugitive, appearing before medical doctors dressed in tattered clothes. Little did the doctors know that Muretus understood their Latin discussion of his case. “Faciamus experimentum in anima vili” one said, which means “Let us try an experiment with this worthless creature”. Imagine their shock when this pauper replied, also in Latin, “Vilem animam appellas pro qua Christus non dedignatus est mori?”, “Will you call worthless one for whom Christ did not disdain to die?” Surely, it’s easy to dismiss Judas as a villain or a victim, but we must be struck by the fact that, in many ways, he was just like us. Both Peter and Judas were given the same opportunity, and it was up to each of them to demonstrate their true character, without being condemned beforehand. Never underestimate people or fail to give them a second chance even after the last chance. If that principle were used against us, very few of us would have been alive today. This is a truth that, if believed, is guaranteed to replace our pity-parties with purposeful pursuits as we learn the true value of investment in others as we prepare to step into the season of Lent.
It is said that most people who fail to take the time to value the worth in others, struggle with incomplete feelings and dead-end thoughts. Consider the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower – a globally renowned architectural masterpiece. Built as the magnificent gateway to the 1889 world trade fair, this iconic landmark continues to attract countless visitors daily, particularly during the love month of February, making it an idyllic setting for romantic rendezvous. But when it was built there was ferocious opposition. A group of leading artists and writers, including the author of “The Three Musketeers”, Alexander Dumas, filed a petition that read: _We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigour and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower._ History vindicated Alexandre Eiffel. In 1889, he was roundly condemned. Today he is praised. His story shows us that what matters is not the opinions others have of us and what we do – these will change according to what is culturally fashionable – but holding onto what we believe to be the values and wisdom of God. “You can find anyone that will tell you what you want to hear, but the only one worth valuing is the one that tells you what you need to learn” ― Shannon L. Alder.
This week, learn to appreciate and embrace the value of other people. Don’t zoom in on the wrongs and weaknesses of your significant other or even your “enemies”. Rather than viewing others around you as hindrances, become aware of their value. Remind yourself that they play a strategic role in your survival and your success. God rarely asks us to fly solo. When He leads us to soar the heights, there is safety in others soaring with us as we Leap into the Lenten season. You and I are not indispensable. You and I are not irreplaceable. God is both. He’s looking for broken vessels, wounded hearts, and humble servants, even those with bad track records who have some scars, who have learned not to hide them or deny them—people who understand and appreciate the value of others. Is that you?
Happy Month of Love, Leaping and Lent!
*May Your Week Not Be Weak But With Him. I Send You My Prayerful Wishes.* From Fr.Ray@acc
