In today’s readings, we are shown three holy individuals who pointed out their lowliness and sinfulness before God, thereby emphasizing the importance of Humility.

Prophet Isaiah in the first reading after his vision states, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles in our second reading pointed out his lowliness before God by saying, “I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.”

Then, St. Peter, the future head of the apostles in today’s gospel reading when invited by Jesus to follow Him said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him.” These three great biblical personalities show us the importance of humility in the life of a christian by acknowledging their lowliness and sinfulness before God. So what is Humility?

Humility according to the English dictionary means “the state of being humble,” and has its origin in the Latin word ‘humilis,’ which means "low." Humility is the quality of not being proud, the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others; or the lack of pride.

In the Bible, Humility is described as a virtue that involves being meek, obedient to God, and showing respect for others. It also means putting others' needs before your own. Then according to the Catechism of Catholic Church, Humility is a quality by which a person considering his own defects has a lowly opinion of himself (or herself) and willingly submits himself (or herself) to God and to others for God's sake. The Catechism of the Catholic Church also teaches that Humility is the foundation of prayer and the virtue by which a Christian acknowledges that God is the author of all good, which means that before we can have a relationship with God, we must be humble. So yes, humility is very important, but how can we live out this virtue called Humility?

St. Benedict gives us a 12 step plan or guide to live in humility and deference so as to help us avoid egotism - which can prevent the building of lasting communities; and to help us avoid complaining and be content with what we have.  St. Benedict's 12 steps to humility are: 

  • Fear of God: Always keep God in mind.
  • Self-denial: Give up your own will for God’s will to be done in your life.
  • Obedience: Submit to your superiors.
  • Perseverance: Endure hardships without complaining.
  • Repentance: Confess your sins.
  • Serenity: Accept your lot in life
  • Self-abasement: Regard yourself as unworthy.
  • Prudence: Be wise and modest.
  • Silence: Restrain your speech.
  • Dignity: Speak gently and reasonably.
  • Discretion: Behave in a way that is not ostentatious.
  • Reverence: Demonstrate humility in your demeanor.

So my brothers and sisters in Christ, since Humility is the first and most important step toward a life of holiness and the foundation of all virtues, let us live humbly before God and deepen our relationship with Him by always acknowledging our lowliness and sinfulness before Him like Prophet Isaiah, St. Paul and St. Peter did in today’s readings. Always remember the words of St. Augustine that states, “the way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility, third, through humility”

RevFICO
RevFICO

Editor & Spiritual Director