On Humility
January 16th, 2024
Chapter 1: Introduction
For those of you who are unfamiliar with my previous work, I have embarked on a journey of documenting my reflections that arise during moments of prayer and attendance of the Daily Mass. After receiving the Holy Eucharist, I discern topics for contemplation for the day. I dedicate the entirety of each day, until its completion, to drafting these thoughts in a format that I hope will be accessible and meaningful to the modern man of the Church. As an anonymous laity of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish, I humbly offer my insights, asking you to take my words with a grain of salt.
My intention is to provide a perspective that is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, aligning with the Catechism and the sacred scripture. The process of discernment is central to my writings, as
I seek to understand and interpret the movements of the Holy Spirit in my life and the world around me. This journey of discernment is not only a personal endeavor but also an invitation for others to engage in their own spiritual reflections and growth.
The act of receiving the Eucharist is a profound moment of union with Christ, a time when we are nourished by His body and blood. It is in these moments of communion that I find the inspiration for my contemplations. The Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life, provides the spiritual sustenance needed to delve into the depths of our faith and the mysteries of God's will.
In writing these reflections, I am guided by the words of Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). This exhortation to focus on the good and the holy is at the heart of my approach to discernment and writing.
Furthermore, the Gospel of John reminds us of the importance of abiding in Christ: "Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me" (John 15:4). My reflections are an attempt to abide in Christ, to remain connected to Him as the source of all wisdom and understanding.
As you read this volume, "Thoughts of Discernment," I invite you to join me in this journey of exploration and reflection. May these pages serve as a catalyst for your own spiritual journey, helping you to discern the workings of the Holy Spirit in your life. Together, let us seek to deepen our understanding of the faith, to grow in our relationship with Christ, and to live out the teachings of the Church with renewed commitment and fervor.
On Humility
How often do we find ourselves humbled throughout our lives, whether it be by realizing we were wrong about something we were so certain of, acknowledging a failure we initially overlooked, admitting to a neglect we refused to accept, or sharing a truth we feared would bring judgment, retribution, or pettiness? What is humility, and why does God teach us this virtue?
When we examine the word "humility," we see its overlap with "humble" and "humiliated." By the definition and root of these terms, we can infer that humility is achieved through experiences of humiliation. However, God, being a loving and whole God within the Holy Trinity, does not solely bring about negative outcomes to achieve His results. All that God does is good. He works through His divine providence, which is sometimes beyond our understanding. In our lack of understanding, in building up our trust in Him, we engage in the ultimate act of humility.
The Bible teaches us numerous times to trust not in ourselves, but in God, in Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit. This trust is a humble act, as it requires us to set aside our own perceptions and experiences in favor of the almighty word of God. To forego our personal experiences and understanding in deference to God's word is necessary to achieve true humility.
Throughout His divine providence and will, God's plan allows us to be humiliated and humbled in various ways so that we can dismantle the sense of self-importance that competes with our reverence for Him. In the Book of Proverbs, we are reminded, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). This verse highlights the danger of pride and the importance of cultivating humility.
Similarly, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This beatitude emphasizes the value of humility and meekness in the eyes of God. It is through humility that we open ourselves to the blessings and guidance of the Lord.
Humility is not about self-degradation or loss of self-worth; rather, it is about recognizing our dependence on God and understanding our place in His creation. It is acknowledging that our knowledge and abilities are limited compared to His infinite wisdom and power. By embracing humility, we become more receptive to God's will, allowing Him to lead us on the path of righteousness.
In the process of being humbled, we often encounter moments of self-realization and growth. These experiences, though sometimes painful, are opportunities for us to shed our egos and align our hearts with God's. They teach us to be less self-centered and more God-centered, focusing on serving Him and others instead of seeking our own glory.
The journey to humility is a continuous one, marked by moments of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we strive to cultivate this virtue, let us pray for the grace to remain humble, to trust in God's providence, and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. May we always remember that in our weakness, God's strength is made perfect, and in our humility, His glory is revealed.
Therefore, let us embrace humility with open hearts, trusting that through it, we will find true fulfillment and peace. Let us seek to live lives that reflect the humility of Christ, who, though He was God, humbled Himself to become human, to serve, and to sacrifice for our salvation. In following His example, we draw closer to Him and to the eternal inheritance He promises to those who walk in humility and faith.
Closing Remark:
As we progress in our discussions, I am inspired to broaden the conversation by inviting others to join. I have reached out to fellow men who are committed to deepening their understanding of our Faith, particularly in the context of the life of the Laity in modern times. Together, we aim to aggregate our thoughts and pursue the Truths revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
The power of words to create permanence resonates deeply with me, echoing the enduring nature of His Word, which has been graciously shared with us. In the same way that His Word has stood the test of time, our collective reflections and insights can also serve as a lasting testament to our journey of faith.
Let us, therefore, come together in prayer, seeking the continual permanence of Faith
in our souls. May our shared endeavors and discussions strengthen our bond with the Lord and with each other. May they be a source of inspiration, guidance, and growth in our spiritual journey. Through the Holy Spirit's guidance, let us discover new depths of understanding and wisdom, enriching our lives and deepening our commitment to the teachings of the Church.
As we embark on this collaborative path, let us remember the words of Saint Paul to the Ephesians: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). In unity, we find strength and a shared purpose, bringing our diverse perspectives and experiences together in pursuit of a deeper, more profound understanding of our Faith.
May our conversations and writings be a beacon of light in these modern times, illuminating the path for others seeking to navigate the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of Catholic teachings. Together, let us embrace this journey with open hearts and minds, trusting in God's providence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray for wisdom, humility, and discernment as we continue our exploration of the Faith. May our collective efforts bear fruit, leading us to a greater love of God and a more profound appreciation of the richness of our Catholic heritage. In this spirit of collaboration and shared pursuit of Truth, let us move forward, united in our desire to deepen our Faith and live out the Gospel in our daily lives.
Prayer for a More Permanent Change of the Soul
Jesus, if I must be humiliated to destroy my pride, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must be prostrated to an audience to destroy my anxiety, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must lose trust in all things of this world to trust in You, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must endure the deepest pain to understand Your suffering, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must face abandonment to feel Your solitude on the cross, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must be plunged into darkness to seek Your light, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must be stripped of my comforts to find comfort in You, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must be silenced to hear Your voice more clearly, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must be broken to be remade in Your image, let it be so.
Jesus, if I must be defeated by enemies to lay path for Your victory, let it be so.
Jesus, if my Life must be taken to make permanent this love in my heart for You, let it be so.
Jesus, in every trial and tribulation, I seek the joy of Your presence, trusting in Your divine providence, embracing each moment as a path to closer union with You.
