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The Saints and the Scriptures tell us over and over again that Pride is the worst sin, maybe the root of all sin.
But maybe when we realize we are struggling with pride the realization is that it’s not that we think too highly of ourselves but that we instead are struggling with a weak self image and poor self worth.
Today, Fr. Mark-Mary defines what the virtue of humility is, as the antidote to pride and how we can grow in it and wrestle with it.
Teresa of Avila’s theology offers an elevated, enticing vision of the human capacity for God. At the outset of The Interior Castle, she wrote: “It is a shame and unfortunate that through our own fault we don’t understand ourselves or know who we are—that is loved by God.” Spiritual self-knowledge includes both positive and negative qualities. It does not mean simply gathering information about ourselves, but seeing ourselves truly in the light of God which brings about humility, repentance, and joy.
— from Accidental Theologians: Four Women Who Shaped Christianity
by Elizabeth Dreyer
//Franciscan Media//
Mary knew who she was to the very depth of her being. She said yes to God and because of that, the world was turned upside down, or perhaps was finally righted. Mary’s is her testimony to the way God intended the world to be from the beginning. Because she said yes, a new creation would be revealed to the world. This woman at the heart of the Advent season is a remarkable role model for us. We might not realize it, but we, too, are filled with God’s grace, even if that grace is clouded and obscured by sin. Mary may have been born knowing who she was, but we are given many opportunities to learn the marvelous truth that we are sons and daughters of God. At times, we mistake humility for inferiority, but in truth humility means knowing who we are, with all our strengths and weaknesses, gifts and gaps. Our job is to clear away those things that keep us from saying yes to God. If we focus only on what’s missing, we miss the beauty that’s already there. As we become more and more clear, we better reflect and magnify the Lord who has given us all that we have, made us all that we are (and can be). And here, too, we can learn from Mary. Again and again, the Gospels tell us that she treasured everything in her heart, pondering the meaning of the angel’s words—and later those of her precocious child. She must have spent long days and even sleepless nights wondering where his adult path would lead him. But through all of ponderings, she knew in her heart that she could trust the God to whom she had said yes. How do you show forth the glory of God to those around you? Pray these words with Mary: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46–47) We’ll never be asked to do what Mary did. Her role in salvation history was unique. But God asks us to have her openness to those things that we are called to do. Take some time even in this hectic week to reflect on your life—past, present, and future—and listen for how God is asking you to make things right in your little corner of the world.
— from the book Simple Gifts: Daily Reflections for Advent
by Diane M. Houdek
//Franciscan Media//
Can you guess what 3 virtues are needed to grow close to God?
In his book, “Introduction to the Devout Life”, St. Francis de Sales lists patience, humility, and meekness as the most essential virtues to live holy lives devoted to God.
What makes these so important?
Patience gives us the ability to endure trials and suffering, humility helps us see ourselves as we truly are in relation to the greatness of God, and meekness calms our tempers so that we may show God’s peace to others.
Cultivating these virtues is just the beginning.
The Danger of Comparison (and How to Avoid It) – Feed Your Soul: Gospel Reflections
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL IS LUKE 18:9-14
How often do you compare yourself to others? We all do it. In ways big and small, subtle and not-so-subtle.
Today, Jesus provides a warning about the destruction comparison can bring to our lives. Thankfully, he also provides the solution.
Watch Matthew’s reflection to hear the life-changing truth!
Humility is the hallmark spiritual virtue of letting go. It’s an open-minded, openhearted, openhanded way to move through the world. To be humble is to make room for life as it comes, without the need to grasp too tightly, even (and especially) to certainty. This kind of attitude is what keeps your vision from clouding up and occluding. No one manages this perfectly, of course. That’s why life seems all too willing to deal us periodic humiliations that knock down our towers of Babel and drop us back onto the ground of our being: the truth that we are held in divine and loving hands, without being able to do anything to deserve or ruin it.
— from the book Making Room: Soul-Deep Satisfaction through Simple Living
by Kyle Kramer
“Some are Educated beyond Their Abilities”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
January 29 – 30, 2022
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
Jesus knew talented people who did not believe in Him and who wanted to kill Him. But He couldn’t be killed outside of Jerusalem. He had to die there.
A lot of people are educated beyond their abilities. When do you know that you are educated and have knowledge or are wise? Is it the letters after your name? I have letters after my name. That doesn’t mean I’m bright. What it means is that I can pass tests. When you are truly educated, you will also know humility. That’s because the more you learn, the more you realize that you don’t know everything.
Those who are truly educated are the ones you find around Christ. Think about the nativity scene. Who do you find around Jesus? You find three kinds of people. The pure and the innocent – the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph; the very wise – the Wise Men; and the ignorant – the shepherds. The Wise Men knew they didn’t know everything, but they were humble and listened and were willing to be told to follow the Divine. The shepherds were ignorant and knew that they did not know anything. People did not know Jesus, and they did not want to.
Humility is the fruit of true knowledge. We know our Lord in humility. We know that He is love itself. And when we know Him and love Him, we will keep His commandments.
How will you apply this message to your life?
You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to http://AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com/ and clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.” Sermon notes can also be found on the church Facebook page by searching for “Facebook Our Lady of the Annunciation Albemarle”
Humans do not have the patience or the humility of God. We want things done as fast as possible to achieve our immediate goals. Spiritual power, however, is the ability to influence events and others through our very being. Evolved people change others interiorly through who they are, and through their sharing of wisdom, rather than through mere external pressure. It is a slower process, but much more long-lasting.
— from the book Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality by Richard Rohr, OFM, page 93
//Franciscan Media//