Learn from this Man

“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiff-necked.” 

Deuteronomy 10:16

This is a very strange verse but obviously it is important so we have to try to see what we can glean from it. First, we obviously cannot circumcise our physical organ, so Moses is speaking about our spiritual hearts, the seat of our emotions, and thoughts. In Christianity, the heart is the core of our being, from which prayer and moral actions originate. In the Cathechism, it says that “the heart is the dwelling-place where I am…” It is the place of decision, truth, and covenant with God. We encounter God though our heart.

If we are able to cut off our stubbornness, haughtiness or pride, then we will have the changed and purified heart that God desires for us. 

Let me give you a wonderful example of a heart that is not haughty at all. This is told by the late Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete to whom this happened in the 70s. The Monsignor was the theological adviser of Cardinal William Baum, and the Cardinal asked him to drive around a famous Polish Cardinal who was arriving in Washington for a series of lectures. “I want you to learn from this man and pick his brains. He’s a brilliant thinker.” 

Monsignor Albacete refused because he was leaving for Puerto Rico, his hometown, and it was only when Cardinal Baum bribed him with a first class ticket to Puerto Rico on another date that he agreed. The Monsignor picked up Cardinal Karol Wojtyla in a car so dirty, it had French Fries scattered all over the passenger seat and junk everywhere else. They spent five days together riding to different venues, and had late nights of long conversations about the state of the church. Monsignor Albacete was just so engrossed and he asked ,”Your Eminence, would you write me so we can continue these discussions? Could you give me books to read?” The Cardinal agreed and for the next two years the Cardinal would write him letters regularly which the Monsignor NEVER ANSWERED! 

Two days after Cardinal Wojtyla was elected Pope, he invited Monsignor Albacete to Rome. Pope John Paul II welcomed the Monsignor and said, “I hope now you will answer my letters.” Years into the Pontificate, they would get together, have dinner, and the Pope would still joke with the Monsignor about the French fries and the junk in his car. 

Imagine the simplicity of this Pope, how he did not feel entitled at all, and how he valued and appreciated each person he met. He makes me evaluate how I act towards others. Circumcise my heart of any arrogance or pride, Lord!