humbling experiences
"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Matthew 23:12
If we refuse to humble ourselves, the Lord will humble us. However, He prefers that we do it ourselves. We can humble ourselves by choosing to take up the daily cross (Lk 9:23). Here are several possibilities:
- choosing a lower material standard of life,
- choosing to live in a lowly place like Nazareth,
- choosing friends like the apostles,
- serving others in simple ways like washing their feet,
- speaking up for Jesus even when we'll be persecuted,
- remaining silent and not defending ourselves, and
- choosing a lower paying, less prestigious job.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth concerning these and other possibilities (Jn 16:13). Then, by faith in Jesus and secure in the Father's love, obey the Lord and make decisions that will result in your being humbled. The Lord will do the rest.
Prayer: Father, by humility keep me in touch with reality.
Promise: "The voice said to me: Son of Man, this is where My throne shall be, this is where I will set the soles of My feet; here I will dwell among the Israelites forever." —Ez 43:7
Praise: St. Rose received God's grace in a remarkable way through bodily penance.
Reference: (To help you grow in humility, read the Bible every day. We have several tape series to help you. Overview of the Bible is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700. An Introduction to each Book of the Bible is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008
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