Long-suffering Humility Yields A Rich Harvest

God chooses the humble and the lowly of this world and makes them strong in bearing witness to Him. -St. Paul

Callistus was a lowly slave who later became Pope and likely one of the most Christ-like individuals ever to walk the face of the earth. When Callistus lived on earth, there were some rather renowned, highly intelligent, but very proud and puritanical figures in the Church. One of these was Hippolytus. Indeed, Hippolytus had even taken it upon himself to deny absolution to all persons who had committed sins of impurity, even when their contrition was genuine and profound. However, Pope Callistus, having the mind of heart of Christ Jesus, confirmed the availability of confession and absolution even for persons guilty of the most grievous sins, who sincerely repented.

Callistus imitated the long-suffering Christ most admirably. Hippolytus was constantly making unjust accusations against Callistus. Yet Callistus still managed to see good in Hippolytus.

Callistus saw that despite all Hippolytus had said and done, and despite his bitter hostility toward Callistus personally, Hippolytus still loved Christ and the Church; Hippolytus had been honestly misled. So, Callistus—like Christ before His accusers—bore Hippolytus’ slashing attacks in silence, refusing to condemn him publicly. Yet, the patience and long-suffering of Callistus yielded a rich harvest: Eventually Hippolytus humbled himself, repented, and was reconciled with the Church and—after death—honored as a saint—the only anti-pope ever to be canonized!

(The above posting is based on Warren H. Carroll's The Founding of Christendom,pages 468-470.)