humble be
“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” —Matthew 23:12
Jesus repeatedly commands us to humble ourselves (Mt 23:12). We humble ourselves when we:
- “do everything and observe everything” rightful authorities tell us, even if these leaders are hypocrites (Mt 23:3),
- keep secret our works of mercy, if possible (Mt 6:4; 23:5),
- dress so as not to draw attention to ourselves (Mt 23:5),
- take the lowest place (Mt 23:6; Lk 14:10),
- repent and go to Confession,
- forgive,
- apologize,
- wash the feet of other Christians to serve them (Jn 13:14-15),
- “think humbly of others as superior” to ourselves (Phil 2:3),
- look “to others’ interests rather than” to our own (Phil 2:4),
- are “poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3), that is, voluntarily choose to live below our means,
- empty ourselves (see Phil 2:7),
- decrease while Jesus increases (Jn 3:30),
- deny ourselves (Lk 9:23), and
- take up our cross daily (Lk 9:23).
“Seek justice, seek humility; perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zep 2:3). “You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mi 6:8). Humble yourselves (Mt 23:12).
Prayer: Jesus, let me learn from You to be “gentle and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).
Promise: “He will be your comfort and the support of your old age.” —Ru 4:15
Praise: Only upon her death was Gladys’ secret, faith-filled philanthropy revealed.
Reference:
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.