Msgr. Pope on Our Need for Two Pockets

"Like so many things in life, self-esteem needs to be balanced. The balance is between humility and pride. The following is attributed to Rabbi Simcha Bunim, one of the leaders of Hasidic Judaism in Poland in the late 1700s and early 1800s:

Everyone must have two pockets so that he can reach into one or the other according to his needs. In his right pocket are to be the words, 'For my sake was the world created,' and in his left pocket, 'I am dust and ashes' (quoted in The Spirituality of Imperfection, p. 60).

"Indeed, there is something magnificent about every individual. No one will ever be exactly like you or have just your combination of gifts. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the gifts we have and on the need for humility.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: The Need for Two Pockets (19 JAN 22)