My last series of posts tackled a difficult subject. When we analyze the role we should play in a divisive and contentious political world we can experience conflict. We wish for peace but also desire justice, and the two desires sometimes clash.
Thus, after finishing up the series, I was ready for a change of pace. With perfect timing I received an article on Saint Philip Neri.
Like Francis, St. Philip spent time in the mountains, praying in a little chapel carved out of a crevice in the rock. Through prayer he discerned a higher calling; he abandoned hope of worldly success and instead dedicated his life to God.
Throughout his subsequent ministry, St. Philip became known for his uncanny sense of the unconventional and the unexpected. He also had an uncanny sense of humility…
One member who was later to become a cardinal was too serious and so Philip had him sing the Misere [a very formal composition] at a wedding breakfast. When one priest gave a beautiful sermon, Philip ordered him to give the same sermon six times in a row so people would think he only had one sermon.”
In a style reminiscent of Francis, he applied these lessons in humility to himself as well: “The greater his reputation for holiness the sillier he wanted to seem.”
Seeking refuge in silliness may be a blessed route to humility; we may find a “crazy wisdom” in acting silly when we feel most important.
When we rise too high in our own estimation, when pride overcomes us with its feline stealth, it can be a relief to have an “in-house joker,” a resident sense of humor, that allows us to see our true humble stature before God.
When we become swept up in worldly affairs we tend to forget the “blessing of silliness that humbles,” as our success too often depends on our affecting a posture of importance. Too often our desire for success demands we demonstrates that we stand supreme over other men and creation.
This is not to say that we do not, at times, encounter serious matters that demand contemplation. Some situations carry consequences of which we must take heed: genocide exists; hunger causes pain; nations posture with atomic weapons.
Nonetheless, there are times when silliness may be the best tool to undermine an overly serious attitude. Francis no doubt appeared silly to the citizens of Assisi. They heaped taunts and ridicule on his poverty and his devotion.
He was not forced to embrace poverty; his family was wealthy. But he chose the counter-intuitive path. He chose poverty and humility and yet played a major role in the revitalization of the Church. He formed an Order that continues to thrive hundreds of years later.
The lesson? Often the silliness of humility is more powerful than the posturing of power, prestige, and status.
Perhaps, at this time in history, more than ever, we are in need of the practical jokes of St. Philip of Neri to help us find our way on this pilgrim’s journey. Perhaps, as the mystics taught, the time has come to slay the ego with the sword of silliness.
If you, like St. Philip, have learned important lessons through silliness or humor or were successful in using silliness and humor to teach we would love to hear your story.
This is great…thanks!