The Life of Saint Margaret of Cortona

Chapter 4 - Her Profound Humility

chaPTer 4 her Profound huMiLiTy 1. Margaret the servant of God attained a high level of humility by meditating unceasingly on her faults. She accused herself out loud of having violated God’s laws and having brought scandal to her neighbors.With tears and sobs she invoked the saints to obtain remission of her sins. She even asked secular people, who were immersed in the swamp of the world’s vices, if God, who avenges the impious, would ever forgive her, the greatest of sinners. Margaret would say: “Do you think, fathers and mothers, that the omnipotent God would ever want to summon me, an exile, to his merciful grace?” When she said this, she trembled and broke out in a cold sweat, as if she were being led to her death. In order to make amends for the worldly honors she had once received, however undeserved, she cut off her hair and covered her head with old rags, the same head which was formerly adorned with gold and pearls (margarite). 2. Shortly thereafter, Margaret went to Laviano, the place where she was born and raised. One Sunday, during Mass, she entered the parish church with a rope around her neck, went up to a certain lady named Manentessa and fell at her feet before the entire congregation. Margaret begged for her pardon with such a flood of weeping that all those present were moved to tears and admiration. She loved Manentessa so much that the latter eventually took the habit of the Order of Penance. For the rest of her life, whenever Manentessa came to Cortona, Margaret would prepare a place for her and give her whatever food she had, and even her own dress. The Life and Miracles of Saint Margaret of Cortona 84 There was a certain woman who never stopped complaining about Margaret’s reputation for humility and kindness toward the poor. This woman’s criticizing, however, brought a kind of vengeance upon herself.The pious Margaret gave the woman her tunic and woolen shawl, as well as some meals which were prepared for her. Not satisfied with this “revenge,” so to speak, this daughter of the Gospel wished only to bring the woman to the love of charity and humility. Margaret’s concern for her effectively removed the debts the lady had incurred with her gossip. O Margaret! So sincere in her humility! The devout faithful came from far-off places to touch her so that they might be cured of their illnesses. But Margaret, in tears, used to say: “I am the most miserable of all creatures! If I were to touch or bless any of you, your sicknesses would actually get worse, not better, because of my many sins!” 3. Since Margaret wished only to ascend to the kingdom of heaven, she never became puffed up with pride, or boasted about her familiarity with Christ. When Christ the King of glory spoke to her, which was often, she considered herself unworthy of his praise and his promises, and would say: “If these words are those of the invisible enemy in the guise of an angel of light, I command you by the power of Christ to be silent and leave immediately!” But Jesus, who honors humility and leads the humble to heaven, answered that it was indeed he who had spoken to her; he was the same person who had awakened her faith while he hung on the cross and called her to tears of repentance, tears which washed away every stain of sin. He added: “I am Jesus your redeemer whom you love and seek in all things. I tell you that you are my precious daughter. You will receive more grace that any woman on earth.” Then Margaret humbly asked Jesus why the Most High would want to bestow such lofty gifts upon one who was incapable of doing great things, and whose body was so weak. The Lord answered: “Margaret, my daughter, do you not desire me with your whole heart more than anything else? Her Profound Humility 85 Did you not become poor out of love for me? Do you not live in constant hope of possessing me? Do you not fear offending me in your actions, even the smallest?” To these questions, Margaret responded: “Yes, it is true!” The Lord said: “You have deserved all these things, my daughter. Love me, for I love you. Praise...