The Lord "humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8) The Lord wants us to come and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). The Lord is always teaching us to be humble – from His birth in Bethlehem to His death on the cross, and from His Incarnation to the Eucharist. He teaches us humility both from His strictness and His kindness (1 Pt 5:5).
Jesus teaches that humility is a matter of emptying ourselves, that is, of dispossessing ourselves, rather than grasping at possessions (Phil 2:6-7). Humility is expressed in an obedience so severe that we die to ourselves (see Phil 2:8; see also Gal 5:24; Jn 12:24). Humility goes to the extent of loving and forgiving enemies and washing their feet (Jn 13:5).
Consequently, humility is humanly impossible. Nonetheless, the Lord has given us a new nature so that the miracle of humility can cover every aspect of our lives. Be clothed with humility (1 Pt 5:5).
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me humility as deeply and quickly as possible. Do whatever it takes. |
| PROMISE: | "Go out into the highways and along the hedgerows and force them to come in. I want my house to be full." –Lk 14:23 |
| PRAISE: | Though they felt unworthy to serve, Charles and Martha accepted the call when asked to take over the leadership of a yearly Catholic Scripture conference. Receiving the spiritual gifts of leadership and administration, they served in the power of the Spirit for several decades. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College