Luke 7:36-50
36 A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table.
37 Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
38 she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner."
40 Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
41 "Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty.
42 Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?"
43 Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly."
44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.
46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.
47 So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
48 He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49 The others at table said to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50 But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
---------------
The sinful woman approaches her Lord in total humility, washing his feet with her tears, and drying them with her hair. She knows she needs her Lord. She knows she can't be righteous without Him.
How many of us approach the Lord that way?
In my head I know that everything good comes from God. If I understand that conceptually, why, time and again, do I convince myself that good things come from me? So often, I'm like the Pharisee in this passage, when in reality I really NEED to be like the woman.
This is where the rubber meets the road on the whole idea of dying to self. It's pretty difficult to do, and of course impossible without God.
So this morning I wonder ... why is it so hard to learn this lesson? I mean REALLY learn it, so that I live it out every day in my life? I ask myself that question a lot, to tell the truth. The only answer I've gotten to so far is that it helps me start to see a glimpse of the totality of Christ's sacrifice.
Here I am, trying not to get mad when I perceive the most minor of offenses, getting mad at myself for getting mad, and whining about how difficult it is to reconcile all that. And there Christ is, the most powerful force in the universe, the Lord of earth and sky, of wind and rain, submitting Himself in total humility.
For me.
Showing posts with label - Humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label - Humility. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Daily - 7/15/09
Yesterday I actually sent two days' worth of gospel readings. To fill this gap, I'm sending out the Litany of Humility to you again.
This prayer was recommended to me by one of our priests about a year ago, to help me focus on what it means to be humble. I'm still trying to learn this lesson. It is one thing to read this prayer and think it is beautiful. It is quite another to mean it. In fact, I'm convinced that a person can't actually buy into this without the help of the Holy Spirit.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
-----------------------
The truth is that I have all of these desires that are listed in the litany. I especially like to be extolled, honored, and praised. My personality, almost at its core, craves to be approved. Furthermore, I have all the fears listed in the second part of the prayer. I hate failure. I hate being humiliated, rebuked, and wronged. I get bothered if someone gets praised while nobody mentions me. I want to be noticed and told I’m doing well.
All of these things show a desire for seeking praise and approval from men, rather than from God. They show how easy it is for our priorities to be in the wrong place. Iif we can just get to a place where we know in our hearts that the only thing we need is God, and how much we actually do need Him, none of this other stuff matters.
This prayer was recommended to me by one of our priests about a year ago, to help me focus on what it means to be humble. I'm still trying to learn this lesson. It is one thing to read this prayer and think it is beautiful. It is quite another to mean it. In fact, I'm convinced that a person can't actually buy into this without the help of the Holy Spirit.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
-----------------------
The truth is that I have all of these desires that are listed in the litany. I especially like to be extolled, honored, and praised. My personality, almost at its core, craves to be approved. Furthermore, I have all the fears listed in the second part of the prayer. I hate failure. I hate being humiliated, rebuked, and wronged. I get bothered if someone gets praised while nobody mentions me. I want to be noticed and told I’m doing well.
All of these things show a desire for seeking praise and approval from men, rather than from God. They show how easy it is for our priorities to be in the wrong place. Iif we can just get to a place where we know in our hearts that the only thing we need is God, and how much we actually do need Him, none of this other stuff matters.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Daily - 6/19/09
Mark 4:35-41 (Sunday gospel)
35 On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side."
36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm.
40 Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
----------
For me personally, as I consider Christ, I tend to forget this element of his presence on earth - total mastery OVER the physical elements. It shows that nothing ... NOTHING ... is out of his control.
When I think about that, I'm blown away by the complete submission that Christ made to God's will in allowing Himself to be put to death. This man had mastery over earth, water, and sky, and he humbled himself to accept God's just penalty for all of our sins. He did this so we could share in His righteousness, in a way we'd never be able to accomplish on our own.
Folks, THAT'S humility. Here's the way St. Paul put it in Philippians 2, when he quoted a hymn of the early church. If you're prone to such things, join me in meditating on Christ's total submission to the Father, and the fact that it is the example for us to live by.
Philippians 2:5-11
5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
35 On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side."
36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm.
40 Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
----------
For me personally, as I consider Christ, I tend to forget this element of his presence on earth - total mastery OVER the physical elements. It shows that nothing ... NOTHING ... is out of his control.
When I think about that, I'm blown away by the complete submission that Christ made to God's will in allowing Himself to be put to death. This man had mastery over earth, water, and sky, and he humbled himself to accept God's just penalty for all of our sins. He did this so we could share in His righteousness, in a way we'd never be able to accomplish on our own.
Folks, THAT'S humility. Here's the way St. Paul put it in Philippians 2, when he quoted a hymn of the early church. If you're prone to such things, join me in meditating on Christ's total submission to the Father, and the fact that it is the example for us to live by.
Philippians 2:5-11
5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Daily - 4/24/09
1 Peter 5:5b-14
5 Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: "God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble."
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.
8 Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.
10 The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.
11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
12 I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it.
13 The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
-----------------
We've visited this passage three other times, links to those messages are below. I will cheat and defer to statements already in evidence.
April 28, 2008 - three weeks after CRHP
http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2008/04/daily-42808.html
Aug 19, 2008 - four months after CRHP
http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2008/08/daily-81908.html
Jan 19, 2009 - nine months after CRHP
http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2009/01/daily-11909.html
Tidbits:
1. I continue to be struck by the call to humility, and the exhortation to resist the devil. He wouldn't be saying resist if the devil didn't exist (hey, that rhymes, I've got a futue as a Petacostal).
2. Here's more on humility (Daily, Jan 13, 2009): http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2009/01/daily-11309.html
3. Why this reading today? It is the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, the author of the gospel of Mark. He is mentioned in v13.
4. 1 Peter - the first papal encyclical :)
5 Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: "God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble."
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.
8 Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.
10 The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.
11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
12 I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it.
13 The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
-----------------
We've visited this passage three other times, links to those messages are below. I will cheat and defer to statements already in evidence.
April 28, 2008 - three weeks after CRHP
http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2008/04/daily-42808.html
Aug 19, 2008 - four months after CRHP
http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2008/08/daily-81908.html
Jan 19, 2009 - nine months after CRHP
http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2009/01/daily-11909.html
Tidbits:
1. I continue to be struck by the call to humility, and the exhortation to resist the devil. He wouldn't be saying resist if the devil didn't exist (hey, that rhymes, I've got a futue as a Petacostal).
2. Here's more on humility (Daily, Jan 13, 2009): http://matt-lifeinthespirit.blogspot.com/2009/01/daily-11309.html
3. Why this reading today? It is the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, the author of the gospel of Mark. He is mentioned in v13.
4. 1 Peter - the first papal encyclical :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Daily - 4/8/09
John 13:1-15 (Holy Thursday gospel)
1 Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
2 The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper,
3 fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
4 he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?"
7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later."
8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me."
9 Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well."
10 Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all."
11 For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, "Not all of you are clean."
12 So when he had washed their feet (and) put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you?
13 You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am.
14 If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet.
15 I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.
--------------------
v15: "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
Between yesterday's passage from the Song of the Suffering Servant and this passage that is so cherished by all of us, we have a very concise description of the model that Christ gives us to follow:
- Give up control completely to God
- Listen to Him and understand His will
- Rely on Him completely, and ask His help in everything we do
- Serve others with humility
As my grad school advisor used to say, "Piece of cake. Now get to work!"
1 Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
2 The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper,
3 fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
4 he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?"
7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later."
8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me."
9 Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well."
10 Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all."
11 For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, "Not all of you are clean."
12 So when he had washed their feet (and) put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you?
13 You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am.
14 If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet.
15 I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.
--------------------
v15: "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
Between yesterday's passage from the Song of the Suffering Servant and this passage that is so cherished by all of us, we have a very concise description of the model that Christ gives us to follow:
- Give up control completely to God
- Listen to Him and understand His will
- Rely on Him completely, and ask His help in everything we do
- Serve others with humility
As my grad school advisor used to say, "Piece of cake. Now get to work!"
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Daily - 4/7/09
Isaiah 50:4-9a (Wednesday's First Reading)
4 The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear;
5 And I have not rebelled, have not turned back.
6 I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.
7 The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
8 He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me.
9 See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?
------------------
This was also the first reading on Palm Sunday.
The Suffering Servant describes His relationship with God. He is fully aware of that his gifts come completely from God. His mission is one of teaching, healing, and humility. He knows he will face extreme challenges, and he does so without complaining, and without letting his pride control his actions. He relies on the Lord, and only the Lord, for help.
As v4 says, the Servant relies on God every morning to open his ear that He may hear. This is the model for us. If we are willing to give up control and rely on God completely, He will take care of us. How many of us ask God every day to open our ears that we may hear, and ask Him to give us a well-trained tongue so we can comfort the weary?
Here's the trick, though. We must come to God in humility. It is when we are weak, that we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). How many of us can even approach Christ's example of humility? Not many, but I do know this for certain: we are called to try. If we submit our pride to God, he will transform us over time. God makes all of this possible for us.
4 The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear;
5 And I have not rebelled, have not turned back.
6 I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.
7 The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
8 He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me.
9 See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?
------------------
This was also the first reading on Palm Sunday.
The Suffering Servant describes His relationship with God. He is fully aware of that his gifts come completely from God. His mission is one of teaching, healing, and humility. He knows he will face extreme challenges, and he does so without complaining, and without letting his pride control his actions. He relies on the Lord, and only the Lord, for help.
As v4 says, the Servant relies on God every morning to open his ear that He may hear. This is the model for us. If we are willing to give up control and rely on God completely, He will take care of us. How many of us ask God every day to open our ears that we may hear, and ask Him to give us a well-trained tongue so we can comfort the weary?
Here's the trick, though. We must come to God in humility. It is when we are weak, that we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). How many of us can even approach Christ's example of humility? Not many, but I do know this for certain: we are called to try. If we submit our pride to God, he will transform us over time. God makes all of this possible for us.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Daily - 2/24/09
Mark 9: 30 - 37
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it;
31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."
32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him.
33 And they came to Caper'na-um; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"
34 But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest.
35 And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."
36 And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them,
37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."
-----------------
Christ withdraws from the crowds to privately teach his disciples. He gives them a direct description of what will happen to him, but they don't understand. They really won't understand until Pentecost.
We also see the humanity of the disciples. They were men, with human desires. One such desire is the desire to be approved, to be loved, to be thought of as "the best." I personally have to fight this desire on a near daily basis. At least I'm in good company with Peter, James, John, and the rest.
Christ's teaching applies to us as well as them. We are called to be humble servants. Not servants who need recognition, or who need to be applauded, or who need to be seen. We are called to be the servant of all. This message has been ringing in my ears lately. I spend too much time caring about how I look, and what others think of me. The only person who's opinion truly matters is God.
I've posted this before, but here's the litany of humility. I've found it to be a great prayer to address personal pride. It's nice to have on hand as we move into Lent.
http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/litany-of-humility.html
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it;
31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."
32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him.
33 And they came to Caper'na-um; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"
34 But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest.
35 And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."
36 And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them,
37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."
-----------------
Christ withdraws from the crowds to privately teach his disciples. He gives them a direct description of what will happen to him, but they don't understand. They really won't understand until Pentecost.
We also see the humanity of the disciples. They were men, with human desires. One such desire is the desire to be approved, to be loved, to be thought of as "the best." I personally have to fight this desire on a near daily basis. At least I'm in good company with Peter, James, John, and the rest.
Christ's teaching applies to us as well as them. We are called to be humble servants. Not servants who need recognition, or who need to be applauded, or who need to be seen. We are called to be the servant of all. This message has been ringing in my ears lately. I spend too much time caring about how I look, and what others think of me. The only person who's opinion truly matters is God.
I've posted this before, but here's the litany of humility. I've found it to be a great prayer to address personal pride. It's nice to have on hand as we move into Lent.
http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/litany-of-humility.html
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Daily - 1/13/09
This prayer is called the Litany of Humility, and was prayed almost daily by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930), the secretary of state for Pope Saint Pius X. This prayer was recommended to me by one of our priests, to help me focus on what it means to be meek.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me. From the desire of being esteemed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
-----------------------
The truth is that I have all of these desires that are listed in the litany. I especially like to be extolled, honored, and praised. My personality, almost at its core, craves to be approved. Furthermore, I have all the fears listed in the second part of the prayer. I hate failure. I hate being humiliated, rebuked, and wronged. I get bothered if someone gets praised while nobody mentions me. I want to be noticed and told I’m doing well.
All of these things show a desire for seeking praise and approval from men, rather than from God. They show how easy it is for our priorities to be in the wrong place. I know I just said this the other day, but if we can just get to a place where we know in our hearts that the only thing we need is God, and how much we actually do need Him, none of this other stuff matters.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me. From the desire of being esteemed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
-----------------------
The truth is that I have all of these desires that are listed in the litany. I especially like to be extolled, honored, and praised. My personality, almost at its core, craves to be approved. Furthermore, I have all the fears listed in the second part of the prayer. I hate failure. I hate being humiliated, rebuked, and wronged. I get bothered if someone gets praised while nobody mentions me. I want to be noticed and told I’m doing well.
All of these things show a desire for seeking praise and approval from men, rather than from God. They show how easy it is for our priorities to be in the wrong place. I know I just said this the other day, but if we can just get to a place where we know in our hearts that the only thing we need is God, and how much we actually do need Him, none of this other stuff matters.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Daily - 1/9/09
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
----------------
This is Paul praying for all of us to attain spiritual maturity – to “be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,” and to comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
This is a description of the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). What do I need to do to get it? From above, it appears that I can’t get this on my own – I need to pray to have God give me this grace. My strategy is to let the Word enrich me, to strive for obedience, to pursue the sacraments regularly (i.e. Eucharist and reconciliation), and to pray for God to strengthen my inner self with his Spirit. The last part is undoubtedly a stumbling block for men, who are very much used to solving problems themselves. In this case though, Paul is clear. This abundance is granted from God, and I need to make myself available to Him.
---------------
Epilogue, 1/9/09 – This was written in June 2008. Six month later, I have to say that this strategy works pretty well for me. I’ve gotten to the point where I pray almost daily for God to increase my faith, and to help me make myself available to Him, so that I can do what he wants. I’ve learned several lessons in humility that have driven home the message that the spiritual things that happen in my life are God’s doing, not mine -- until the next time I need to be reminded.
My job is to remain in Him.
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
----------------
This is Paul praying for all of us to attain spiritual maturity – to “be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,” and to comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
This is a description of the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). What do I need to do to get it? From above, it appears that I can’t get this on my own – I need to pray to have God give me this grace. My strategy is to let the Word enrich me, to strive for obedience, to pursue the sacraments regularly (i.e. Eucharist and reconciliation), and to pray for God to strengthen my inner self with his Spirit. The last part is undoubtedly a stumbling block for men, who are very much used to solving problems themselves. In this case though, Paul is clear. This abundance is granted from God, and I need to make myself available to Him.
---------------
Epilogue, 1/9/09 – This was written in June 2008. Six month later, I have to say that this strategy works pretty well for me. I’ve gotten to the point where I pray almost daily for God to increase my faith, and to help me make myself available to Him, so that I can do what he wants. I’ve learned several lessons in humility that have driven home the message that the spiritual things that happen in my life are God’s doing, not mine -- until the next time I need to be reminded.
My job is to remain in Him.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Daily - 12/4/08
Matthew 5:5
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
------------------
Link (I didn't write this)
Jesus' Beatitude is a quotation from Psalm 37:11: "But the meek shall possess the land, they shall delight in abounding peace," and it taps into a strong biblical vision. Because the Israelites were people of the land, their dreams for peace often included the longing for a time when the land's bounty would not be destroyed and all could live on the land in peace.
Particularly beautiful is the vision of the future in Isaiah: "They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant; they shall not build houses for others to live in, or plant for others to eat. As the years of a tree, so the years of my people; and my chosen ones shall long enjoy the produce of their hands. They shall not toil in vain, nor beget children for sudden destruction....The wolf and the lamb shall graze alike, and the lion shall eat hay like the ox. None shall hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord" (65:21-25).
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus also envisions a kingdom of God where peace and justice abound, where all God's children have a place of security and joy. This is the powerful dream Jesus summons up at the beginning of his ministry. Blessed are the meek, the powerless, the downtrodden, because in God's reign they will not remain disenfranchised but will inherit the land. The Gospel's vision of a just future that reverses the situations of oppression that so often hold sway extends now beyond the land of Israel to the whole earth and encompasses all those whose lives and hopes are threatened and who have no resource to lean on other than God's own providence.
What is remarkable in the Gospel of Matthew is that Jesus himself throws his lot with people like this. He describes himself as "meek and humble of heart" (11:29) and the evangelist cites the words of the prophet Zechariah to emphasize the paradox of Jesus the king entering Jerusalem on a donkey. "Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass..." (Matthew 21:5, citing Zechariah 9:9). Jesus' mission is to identify with the least (21:35-46), to teach and heal that they might have justice and to exemplify the virtues of gentleness and humility that the Spirit of God instills.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
------------------
Link (I didn't write this)
Jesus' Beatitude is a quotation from Psalm 37:11: "But the meek shall possess the land, they shall delight in abounding peace," and it taps into a strong biblical vision. Because the Israelites were people of the land, their dreams for peace often included the longing for a time when the land's bounty would not be destroyed and all could live on the land in peace.
Particularly beautiful is the vision of the future in Isaiah: "They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant; they shall not build houses for others to live in, or plant for others to eat. As the years of a tree, so the years of my people; and my chosen ones shall long enjoy the produce of their hands. They shall not toil in vain, nor beget children for sudden destruction....The wolf and the lamb shall graze alike, and the lion shall eat hay like the ox. None shall hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord" (65:21-25).
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus also envisions a kingdom of God where peace and justice abound, where all God's children have a place of security and joy. This is the powerful dream Jesus summons up at the beginning of his ministry. Blessed are the meek, the powerless, the downtrodden, because in God's reign they will not remain disenfranchised but will inherit the land. The Gospel's vision of a just future that reverses the situations of oppression that so often hold sway extends now beyond the land of Israel to the whole earth and encompasses all those whose lives and hopes are threatened and who have no resource to lean on other than God's own providence.
What is remarkable in the Gospel of Matthew is that Jesus himself throws his lot with people like this. He describes himself as "meek and humble of heart" (11:29) and the evangelist cites the words of the prophet Zechariah to emphasize the paradox of Jesus the king entering Jerusalem on a donkey. "Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass..." (Matthew 21:5, citing Zechariah 9:9). Jesus' mission is to identify with the least (21:35-46), to teach and heal that they might have justice and to exemplify the virtues of gentleness and humility that the Spirit of God instills.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Daily - 7/17/08
James 3:13-18
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
One danger of the pursuit of wisdom (and I personally include "intellectualism" with that) is the development of selfish ambition. Per James, wisdom of this kind does not come from above and is earthly – even demonic. The Father of Lies has many weapons to use against us. One such weapon is to tempt our intellectual pride. If you feel like you are somehow better than someone else because of intellectual prowess, selfish ambition takes hold. Per verse 16, this can lead to bad things.
-----------------
Verses 17 and 18 describe "wisdom from above" as peaceable, gentle, compliant, and full of mercy and good fruits. Such wisdom is a gift from God, and is not the result of some intellectual greatness that resides within us. I’m not sure that I’ve ever experienced such wisdom, but if I ever do, I hope that I will remember where it comes from.
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
One danger of the pursuit of wisdom (and I personally include "intellectualism" with that) is the development of selfish ambition. Per James, wisdom of this kind does not come from above and is earthly – even demonic. The Father of Lies has many weapons to use against us. One such weapon is to tempt our intellectual pride. If you feel like you are somehow better than someone else because of intellectual prowess, selfish ambition takes hold. Per verse 16, this can lead to bad things.
-----------------
Verses 17 and 18 describe "wisdom from above" as peaceable, gentle, compliant, and full of mercy and good fruits. Such wisdom is a gift from God, and is not the result of some intellectual greatness that resides within us. I’m not sure that I’ve ever experienced such wisdom, but if I ever do, I hope that I will remember where it comes from.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Daily - 6/27/08
Colossians 3:1-16
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.
6 Because of these the wrath of God is coming (upon the disobedient).
7 By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.
9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
---------------------
Colossians 3 gives instruction on Christian living. Note that this teaching comes in 4 parts:
· Verses 1-4: Paul reiterates that conversion to Christ involves a new creation. The worldly self passes away and the new life is filled by Christ. This is repeated in many places in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:19-20, Glatians 5:24-25, Ephesians 2:4-5, etc.).
· Verses 5-9: A list of "don’ts" – things that we do "in the flesh" that we are called to "put to death." Paul gives us a nice long list of things to work on.
· Verses 11-14: A list of "do’s" – which is similar to the listing of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Above all things, put on love.
· Verses 15-16 – let the peace of Christ control your heart, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
At first, second, and third glance, the list can seem onerous and restrictive. However, I have found that the closer I get to Christ, the easier it is for me to be obedient. The Scripture backs this up:
1 John 5:1-5
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves (also) the one begotten by him.
2 In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
3 For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,
4 for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
5 Who (indeed) is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.
6 Because of these the wrath of God is coming (upon the disobedient).
7 By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.
9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
---------------------
Colossians 3 gives instruction on Christian living. Note that this teaching comes in 4 parts:
· Verses 1-4: Paul reiterates that conversion to Christ involves a new creation. The worldly self passes away and the new life is filled by Christ. This is repeated in many places in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:19-20, Glatians 5:24-25, Ephesians 2:4-5, etc.).
· Verses 5-9: A list of "don’ts" – things that we do "in the flesh" that we are called to "put to death." Paul gives us a nice long list of things to work on.
· Verses 11-14: A list of "do’s" – which is similar to the listing of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Above all things, put on love.
· Verses 15-16 – let the peace of Christ control your heart, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
At first, second, and third glance, the list can seem onerous and restrictive. However, I have found that the closer I get to Christ, the easier it is for me to be obedient. The Scripture backs this up:
1 John 5:1-5
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves (also) the one begotten by him.
2 In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
3 For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,
4 for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
5 Who (indeed) is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Daily - 6/2/08
Hebrews 12:1-7
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us
2 while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
3 Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.
5 You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him;
6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges."
7 Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us
2 while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
3 Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.
5 You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him;
6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges."
7 Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?
------------------
The Lord does in fact discipline his children. I prefer to think of this as preparation for something down the road, rather than think of this as punishment for things done wrong. I don’t know if this thinking is theologically sound, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
After taking a dose of humility at the fact that I need to be disciplined, I do find a lot of comfort in this passage.
When you look up and wonder why something bad is happening (or why "bad things happen to good people"), this is an answer. I’m often been able to see the hand of God in my trials AFTER the fact, but only a couple of times have I recognized God’s discipline in real time. When that has happened, the process of enduring is much easier. I think the more we can get to this line of thinking, the more mature we become spiritually. It’s a solid Christian that can thank God for whacking him upside the head with a baseball bat.
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