“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
Jesus is not just humble, he is humility. Jesus is not transcended by his qualities or attributes, he is those attributes. Jesus is not simply truthful, he is truth itself!
His teaching on humility is not just words spoken, it is the life he lived on earth. God entered our history and became one of us… humility. Jesus chose not to rely upon his divinity… humility. Born into a stable and forced into exile as a refugee… humility. Washes the feet of his chosen leaders and instructs them to do the same for one another… humility. Nailed to a cross, he forgives his executioners… humility. “Peace,” his first words to his apostles in the upper room following the resurrection… humility.
When Jesus exercised His Divine Power, it was not for Himself, but for others.
All the great spiritual doctors of the Church, particularly Sts. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, taught that we must spend much time practicing humility in order to progress in the spiritual life — that is, grow closer to God. The model that Jesus and all the saints give to us is humility because pride is the first of the seven deadly sins and affects us all and must be rooted out.
As we continue with our Lenten observances, be intentional about living the moments and encounters of the day in humility, thinking of others and not of self.
Remember, you are dust, and to dust you will return. Repent and believe in the Gospel.
Deacon Bickerstaff is available to speak at your parish or event. Be sure to check out his Speaker Page to learn more. Into the Deep is a regular feature of the The Integrated Catholic Life™.
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