Humility

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18, 4).

What is humility? Humility consists in despising all want of any praise, recognition, honor and glory in this life. It involves seeking only the glory and honor promised us in our true and heavenly home. We cannot please God without humility, nor can we save our souls. Christ says: “Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18, 3).

Humility means not being boastful. We must not take pleasure in the praises that may come from other people. What is our attitude when we are corrected? Are we stubborn when it comes to our own opinions? Do we actively seek the praises of others? Are we obedient to those who hold authority over us?

Saint Augustine once wrote that “Jesus Christ does not say to us learn of me to work miracles, but learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matt. 11, 29). There can be no true devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus without sincere humility. If we want to be truly humble we must constantly ask God for this virtue. It is not enough to simply have a low opinion of oneself; we must truly believe it and accept it when others are of the same opinion.

We must constantly be aware of our imperfections and sinfulness and realize we are nothing but sinners without the grace of God. A truly humble person will rejoice when he is despised by others. He will never praise himself by his words or actions. He will not complain about the misfortunes God allows to happen to him, and above all he will pray much and speak little.

Saint Paul reminds us that we have enemies from within and without who lay traps everywhere for us. Love of humility is a great weapon against such people. If we truly want peace and we wish to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, we must seek God’s glory alone through humility.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the External Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In Christ’s entire life we see His humility as the number one virtue He put on above all others. We continue to experience His humility as He comes to us sacramentally in the Blessed Eucharist and pours out his infinite love through His Sacred Heart. As we continue to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us pray for the virtue of humility.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jeffery Fasching