Intellectual Pride
There are many forms of pride: pride of nationality, of race, of religion, of social position or of wealth. The form of pride which is spiritually most damaging, however, is intellectual pride. This is a state of mind in which a person considers his own judgements to be infallible. It is the kind of pride which is exhibited by the self-righteous person who weighs other individuals on his own scale of values – and usually finds the other wanting.
Intellectual pride can rise to such heights as to set itself up in judgment over God. There are individuals whose attitude is, ‘If I can’t understand it, then it isn’t so.’ Such persons feel quite competent to comprehend everything that is in God’s mind. This is the kind of pride by which Lucifer and his cohorts sinned. It was this kind of pride which hardened the hearts of the Pharisees and blinded them to Christ’s miracles. It is a pride manifested by many modern ‘thinkers’, and sometimes by common folk such as you and I.
"The first and most formidable of vices is pride, that inordinate desire of our own excellence, which spiritual writers universally regard as the father and king of all the other vices. Hence Tobias, among the numerous good counsels which he gave his son, particularly warns him against pride: “Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words, for from it all perdition took its beginning.” (Job. 4:14).
St. Bernard tells us, “Pride precipitates man from the highest elevation to the lowest abyss, but humility raises him from the lowest abyss to the highest elevation. Through pride the Angels fell from Heaven to Hell, and through humility man is raised from earth to Heaven.”
"Let the example of your God teach you, O man, to be obedient. Learn, O dust, to humble yourself. Learn, O clay, to appreciate your baseness. Learn from your God, O Christian, to be “meek and humble of heart.” (Matt. 11:29). If you disdain to walk in the footsteps of men, will you refuse to follow your God, who died not only to redeem us but to teach us humility? Look upon yourself and you will find sufficient motives for humility.""
https://youtu.be/BIHBVmVZjKA
#pride #humility
There are many forms of pride: pride of nationality, of race, of religion, of social position or of wealth. The form of pride which is spiritually most damaging, however, is intellectual pride. This is a state of mind in which a person considers his own judgements to be infallible. It is the kind of pride which is exhibited by the self-righteous person who weighs other individuals on his own scale of values – and usually finds the other wanting.
Intellectual pride can rise to such heights as to set itself up in judgment over God. There are individuals whose attitude is, ‘If I can’t understand it, then it isn’t so.’ Such persons feel quite competent to comprehend everything that is in God’s mind. This is the kind of pride by which Lucifer and his cohorts sinned. It was this kind of pride which hardened the hearts of the Pharisees and blinded them to Christ’s miracles. It is a pride manifested by many modern ‘thinkers’, and sometimes by common folk such as you and I.
"The first and most formidable of vices is pride, that inordinate desire of our own excellence, which spiritual writers universally regard as the father and king of all the other vices. Hence Tobias, among the numerous good counsels which he gave his son, particularly warns him against pride: “Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words, for from it all perdition took its beginning.” (Job. 4:14).
St. Bernard tells us, “Pride precipitates man from the highest elevation to the lowest abyss, but humility raises him from the lowest abyss to the highest elevation. Through pride the Angels fell from Heaven to Hell, and through humility man is raised from earth to Heaven.”
"Let the example of your God teach you, O man, to be obedient. Learn, O dust, to humble yourself. Learn, O clay, to appreciate your baseness. Learn from your God, O Christian, to be “meek and humble of heart.” (Matt. 11:29). If you disdain to walk in the footsteps of men, will you refuse to follow your God, who died not only to redeem us but to teach us humility? Look upon yourself and you will find sufficient motives for humility.""
https://youtu.be/BIHBVmVZjKA
#pride #humility
YouTube
Intellectual Pride ~ Fr Ripperger
What is intellectual pride? Do we see it today & if so how? For more please visit http://sensustraditionis.org/ & remember to do the PenanceWare that Fr asks for.
The website https://sensusfidelium.us/
To donate please visit https://sensusfidelium.us/donate…
The website https://sensusfidelium.us/
To donate please visit https://sensusfidelium.us/donate…
Ecce Verbum
Intellectual Pride There are many forms of pride: pride of nationality, of race, of religion, of social position or of wealth. The form of pride which is spiritually most damaging, however, is intellectual pride. This is a state of mind in which a person…
5. Trust in God, not in your strength
In another place St. Bernard speaks of three kinds of fear with which he would have us guard our hearts. “Fear,” he says, “when you are in possession of grace, lest you may do something unworthy of it; fear when you have lost grace, because you are deprived of a strong protection; and fear when you have recovered grace, lest you should again lose it.” Thus you will never trust to your own strength; the fear of God which will fill your heart will save you from presumption.
6. Be patient in bearing persecution, for the patient endurance of affronts is the touchstone of true humility.
7. Never despise the poor and abject, for their misery should move us to compassion rather than contempt.
Be not too eager for rich apparel, for humility is incompatible with a love of display. One who is too solicitous about his dress is a slave to the opinions of men, for he certainly would not expend so much labor upon it if he thought he would not be observed. Beware, however, of going to the other extreme and dressing in a manner unsuited to your position. While claiming to despise the approbation or notice of the world, many secretly strive for it by their singularity and exaggerated simplicity.
8. Finally, do not disdain humble and obscure employments.
Only the proud seek to avoid these, for the man of true humility deems nothing in the world beneath him.
#pride #humility
Source: sensus fidelium website
In another place St. Bernard speaks of three kinds of fear with which he would have us guard our hearts. “Fear,” he says, “when you are in possession of grace, lest you may do something unworthy of it; fear when you have lost grace, because you are deprived of a strong protection; and fear when you have recovered grace, lest you should again lose it.” Thus you will never trust to your own strength; the fear of God which will fill your heart will save you from presumption.
6. Be patient in bearing persecution, for the patient endurance of affronts is the touchstone of true humility.
7. Never despise the poor and abject, for their misery should move us to compassion rather than contempt.
Be not too eager for rich apparel, for humility is incompatible with a love of display. One who is too solicitous about his dress is a slave to the opinions of men, for he certainly would not expend so much labor upon it if he thought he would not be observed. Beware, however, of going to the other extreme and dressing in a manner unsuited to your position. While claiming to despise the approbation or notice of the world, many secretly strive for it by their singularity and exaggerated simplicity.
8. Finally, do not disdain humble and obscure employments.
Only the proud seek to avoid these, for the man of true humility deems nothing in the world beneath him.
#pride #humility
Source: sensus fidelium website
Ecce Verbum
holinessoflifebe00bonauoft.pdf
St. Bonaventure advised that those seeking to become perfectly humble need to:
•Attribute all their good works to God and not themselves
•Remember Christ’s humility which left most people during his time unable to form a correct judgment of him or believe he was God
•Know themselves well
“Consider then whence you come and take it to heart that you are the slime of the earth. You have wallowed in sin and are an exile from the happy kingdom of Heaven. Thoughts such as these will quell the spirit of pride and drive it away somewhat.”
Unlike pride, humility softens God’s anger and prepares us for his grace Patience tests and perfects humility.
“Just as the waters crowd into the valleys, so the graces of the Holy Spirit fill the humble. And to continue the comparison, just as the greater the incline the quicker the water flows, so the more the heart bends under humility, the nearer we are to God.”
"Humility is the foundation of all virtue, just as pride is the beginning of all sin."
#humility #virtue
•Attribute all their good works to God and not themselves
•Remember Christ’s humility which left most people during his time unable to form a correct judgment of him or believe he was God
•Know themselves well
“Consider then whence you come and take it to heart that you are the slime of the earth. You have wallowed in sin and are an exile from the happy kingdom of Heaven. Thoughts such as these will quell the spirit of pride and drive it away somewhat.”
Unlike pride, humility softens God’s anger and prepares us for his grace Patience tests and perfects humility.
“Just as the waters crowd into the valleys, so the graces of the Holy Spirit fill the humble. And to continue the comparison, just as the greater the incline the quicker the water flows, so the more the heart bends under humility, the nearer we are to God.”
"Humility is the foundation of all virtue, just as pride is the beginning of all sin."
#humility #virtue
Ecce Verbum
'Why is He so little in me? Is it because I am not little enough, not humble enough. Therefore may I become more humble, may I humble myself, and Jesus will increase. Grow, Jesus, grow in me, in my heart, in my spirit, my imagination, my senses, by your…
On humble leadership
'It does not become an ascetic man to desire priesthood or leadership because the urge for leadership is a satanic disease that caused Satan’s fall. Let us now consider the risks incurred by those affected by such disease: they become envious, aggressive, gossipers, and indecent; they become hypocrites and ill-doers, and practice untimely humility. When they surrender, their hearts remain proud. Such miserable people envy those who deserve the priesthood or leadership, and try to gossip about them and wish them dead so as to replace them as candidature becomes available; meanwhile they are devoured by anxiety and ill intentions, thus distancing themselves from God and they lose their peace. Let us prevail against such desire and when it pleases God to choose a leader He, alone in His wisdom, will know whom to assign. May God keep away this hateful disease that kills the soul and knows no good.'
St. Basil
his sermon on humility
#humility
'It does not become an ascetic man to desire priesthood or leadership because the urge for leadership is a satanic disease that caused Satan’s fall. Let us now consider the risks incurred by those affected by such disease: they become envious, aggressive, gossipers, and indecent; they become hypocrites and ill-doers, and practice untimely humility. When they surrender, their hearts remain proud. Such miserable people envy those who deserve the priesthood or leadership, and try to gossip about them and wish them dead so as to replace them as candidature becomes available; meanwhile they are devoured by anxiety and ill intentions, thus distancing themselves from God and they lose their peace. Let us prevail against such desire and when it pleases God to choose a leader He, alone in His wisdom, will know whom to assign. May God keep away this hateful disease that kills the soul and knows no good.'
St. Basil
his sermon on humility
#humility
Ecce Verbum
On humble leadership 'It does not become an ascetic man to desire priesthood or leadership because the urge for leadership is a satanic disease that caused Satan’s fall. Let us now consider the risks incurred by those affected by such disease: they become…
Saint Augustine on leadership
“Whoever wishes to be the greatest among you will be your servant.” (Mk 10:44).
“We call those Christian rulers happy who govern with justice, never forgetting that they are only human. They think of sovereignty as a ministry of God, and they fear and worship God. They are slow to punish and quick to forgive. They temper with mercy and generosity the unavoidable harshness of their commands. They are all the more in control of their sinful desires because they are freer to indulge them. They prefer to rule their own passions more than to rule the peoples of the world. They rule not out of vain glory but out of love for everlasting bliss. They offer to God the humble sacrifice of their repentance and prayer. In this life they are happy in their hope and are destined to be truly happy when the eternal day comes for which we all hope” (City of God, 5.24).
“Be assured that abuses are not done away with by harsh or severe or autocratic measures, but by teaching rather than by commanding, by persuasion rather than by threats. This is the way to deal with the people in general, reserving severity for the sins of the few. If we make threats, let it be done sorrowfully, in the words of Scripture, and in terms of the world to come. In this way, it is not we who are feared because of our power, but God because of our words.” (Letter 22, 5).
“After his resurrection Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me more than the rest?’ and Peter answered, ‘You know Lord that I love you!’ Jesus then charged him, ‘Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.’ The Lord questioned Peter three times in the same way so that his three-fold confession might cancel the threefold denial he had made on the evening of Holy Thursday. He was questioned about his love first and only then were Christ’s sheep (his church and all its members) entrusted to him.” (Sermon 229P, 1-4).
“The first thing good superiors must realize is that they are servants. They should not consider it beneath their dignity to be servants to many. Indeed, the Lord of lords did not consider it beneath His dignity to be a servant to us.” (Sermon 340A, 1).
“Every earthly state makes use of some of the citizens of the ‘City of God’ to administer its affairs. How many of the faithful are there among its loyal subjects and its magistrates, its judges, generals, governors and even among those who have been kings? All these are good people, keeping deep in their hearts the longing for the glorious things of heaven. In a way they are like foreigners in a society that will pass away, but in the meantime (under the command of God) they serve their earthly masters conscientiously.” (Commentary on Psalm 61, 8).
“Nothing could be better for the world than those who are in power to join a good life to the art of political government. Such humble leaders attribute all their virtues, however many they may have on earth, to the grace of God who bestows them on those who pray for them. Such leaders understand how imperfect they are. They realize that they are not angels.” (City of God, 5.19).
“When all the boasting is over, what is any man but just another man? Even when honor in this life is merited, it has no lasting value. It is smoke that weighs nothing.” (City of God, 5.17).
“Bad brother or sister, quarrelsome brother or sister, you are still my brother or sister. You say, just as I say, ‘Our Father, Who art in heaven.’ Why, then, are we not together in one? It is not a friend, not a neighbor, who orders us to be in harmony, but rather He to Whom we say, ‘Our Father.’ We have together one voice before our Father. Why do we not have one peace together?” (Sermon on John 26, 11).
“Every human being is neighbor to every other human being. Even those you do not know share in your humanity. Is this person known as a friend? Let them stay as a friend. Is this person your enemy? Let them become a friend.” (Sermon 229D, 1).
“Where there is no envy or fear, differences, far from creating divisions, foster harmony.” (Holy Virginity, 29).
#humility
“Whoever wishes to be the greatest among you will be your servant.” (Mk 10:44).
“We call those Christian rulers happy who govern with justice, never forgetting that they are only human. They think of sovereignty as a ministry of God, and they fear and worship God. They are slow to punish and quick to forgive. They temper with mercy and generosity the unavoidable harshness of their commands. They are all the more in control of their sinful desires because they are freer to indulge them. They prefer to rule their own passions more than to rule the peoples of the world. They rule not out of vain glory but out of love for everlasting bliss. They offer to God the humble sacrifice of their repentance and prayer. In this life they are happy in their hope and are destined to be truly happy when the eternal day comes for which we all hope” (City of God, 5.24).
“Be assured that abuses are not done away with by harsh or severe or autocratic measures, but by teaching rather than by commanding, by persuasion rather than by threats. This is the way to deal with the people in general, reserving severity for the sins of the few. If we make threats, let it be done sorrowfully, in the words of Scripture, and in terms of the world to come. In this way, it is not we who are feared because of our power, but God because of our words.” (Letter 22, 5).
“After his resurrection Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me more than the rest?’ and Peter answered, ‘You know Lord that I love you!’ Jesus then charged him, ‘Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.’ The Lord questioned Peter three times in the same way so that his three-fold confession might cancel the threefold denial he had made on the evening of Holy Thursday. He was questioned about his love first and only then were Christ’s sheep (his church and all its members) entrusted to him.” (Sermon 229P, 1-4).
“The first thing good superiors must realize is that they are servants. They should not consider it beneath their dignity to be servants to many. Indeed, the Lord of lords did not consider it beneath His dignity to be a servant to us.” (Sermon 340A, 1).
“Every earthly state makes use of some of the citizens of the ‘City of God’ to administer its affairs. How many of the faithful are there among its loyal subjects and its magistrates, its judges, generals, governors and even among those who have been kings? All these are good people, keeping deep in their hearts the longing for the glorious things of heaven. In a way they are like foreigners in a society that will pass away, but in the meantime (under the command of God) they serve their earthly masters conscientiously.” (Commentary on Psalm 61, 8).
“Nothing could be better for the world than those who are in power to join a good life to the art of political government. Such humble leaders attribute all their virtues, however many they may have on earth, to the grace of God who bestows them on those who pray for them. Such leaders understand how imperfect they are. They realize that they are not angels.” (City of God, 5.19).
“When all the boasting is over, what is any man but just another man? Even when honor in this life is merited, it has no lasting value. It is smoke that weighs nothing.” (City of God, 5.17).
“Bad brother or sister, quarrelsome brother or sister, you are still my brother or sister. You say, just as I say, ‘Our Father, Who art in heaven.’ Why, then, are we not together in one? It is not a friend, not a neighbor, who orders us to be in harmony, but rather He to Whom we say, ‘Our Father.’ We have together one voice before our Father. Why do we not have one peace together?” (Sermon on John 26, 11).
“Every human being is neighbor to every other human being. Even those you do not know share in your humanity. Is this person known as a friend? Let them stay as a friend. Is this person your enemy? Let them become a friend.” (Sermon 229D, 1).
“Where there is no envy or fear, differences, far from creating divisions, foster harmony.” (Holy Virginity, 29).
#humility
Ecce Verbum
Meditations on Humility - Rev R F Clarke, S.J..pdf
The Obligation of Humility
Every Christian as such is under an obligation to follow in the sacred footsteps of Jesus Christ, and to make His Life the model of his own. In the life of the Son of God on earth, the most wonderful feature is its humility. That the omnipotent God should so humble Himself as to take the form of the lowest of the rational creatures that He has made is an almost incredible marvel. The condescension, the lowering of Himself that is involved in it, altogether passes our power of comprehension. He could not have stooped so low unless He had been God, Thus His humility becomes the characteristic feature of the Incarnation, and in proportion as we lower ourselves we imitate Jesus upon earth.
Our Lord is not satisfied with teaching us by His example, He also gives a positive command. "Learn of Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Out of all the virtues He came to teach us, He selects His humility as that to the practice of which He binds us, by which we are to become like to Him. How indifferent, how disobedient I have shown myself to our Lord's command. Can I say that I have learned the lesson of meekness and humbleness of heart?
We are also bound to practise humility as children of the Catholic Church. Humility and submission is the very essence of her teaching. Subjection to God, subjection to all lawful authority, subjection of will and intellect to the dogmas of Faith. He who is not content with subjection cannot be a really good Catholic, and no one can love subjection without humility. Examine your own heart, whether you rejoice in being subject for Christ's sake.
Prayer To Obtain Humility
O God, who resistest the proud, and givest thy grace to the humble, grant me that true humility of which thy adorable Son has left us the example. Notwithstanding the powerful obstacles which my natural inclinations oppose to this virtue, I ardently desire to learn of Him to be meek and humble of heart. I am filled with confusion, O Lord, when I reflect on my inordinate love of esteem and applause, my extreme fear of contempt and humiliation, my independence of spirit, my attachment to my own ideas and opinion, my secret satisfaction in success, my latent mortification at seeing others preferred, my insatiable desire of praise and honor. O Lord, I should despair of the cure of maladies so numerous and grievous, did not I know that thou art an Almighty Physician, to whom nothing is impossible. Cast on me, O my God, a look of compassion, and have mercy on me. Grant that I may know thee, to love thee alone ; that I may know myself, to comprehend the depth of my miseries.
May I never forget the many motives that urge me to the practice of humility, the sins of my past life, my inclination to evil, my inconstancy in virtue, my tepidity in thy service, my ingratitude towards thee, my daily infidelities, and the innumerable defects which, notwithstanding my pride, I cannot disguise from myself. May I at length do myself justice, by sincerely believing myself to be the last of all creatures; may I henceforth shun praise as sedulously as I have hitherto sought it; may my only aim be to please thee, my only desire to be forgotten by the world; may the remembrance of the account I shall have to render of Thy graces, prove a perpetual stimulus to the practice of humility in the use of them. If by thy grace I am ever capable of doing any thing to promote Thy honor, I will refer the glory to thee alone; I will think of the voluntary humiliations of my Savior; I will take Him for my model, that by attaining resemblance with Him, I may deserve to be one day ranked among His elect in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Rev R F Clarke, S. J.
#humility
Every Christian as such is under an obligation to follow in the sacred footsteps of Jesus Christ, and to make His Life the model of his own. In the life of the Son of God on earth, the most wonderful feature is its humility. That the omnipotent God should so humble Himself as to take the form of the lowest of the rational creatures that He has made is an almost incredible marvel. The condescension, the lowering of Himself that is involved in it, altogether passes our power of comprehension. He could not have stooped so low unless He had been God, Thus His humility becomes the characteristic feature of the Incarnation, and in proportion as we lower ourselves we imitate Jesus upon earth.
Our Lord is not satisfied with teaching us by His example, He also gives a positive command. "Learn of Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Out of all the virtues He came to teach us, He selects His humility as that to the practice of which He binds us, by which we are to become like to Him. How indifferent, how disobedient I have shown myself to our Lord's command. Can I say that I have learned the lesson of meekness and humbleness of heart?
We are also bound to practise humility as children of the Catholic Church. Humility and submission is the very essence of her teaching. Subjection to God, subjection to all lawful authority, subjection of will and intellect to the dogmas of Faith. He who is not content with subjection cannot be a really good Catholic, and no one can love subjection without humility. Examine your own heart, whether you rejoice in being subject for Christ's sake.
Prayer To Obtain Humility
O God, who resistest the proud, and givest thy grace to the humble, grant me that true humility of which thy adorable Son has left us the example. Notwithstanding the powerful obstacles which my natural inclinations oppose to this virtue, I ardently desire to learn of Him to be meek and humble of heart. I am filled with confusion, O Lord, when I reflect on my inordinate love of esteem and applause, my extreme fear of contempt and humiliation, my independence of spirit, my attachment to my own ideas and opinion, my secret satisfaction in success, my latent mortification at seeing others preferred, my insatiable desire of praise and honor. O Lord, I should despair of the cure of maladies so numerous and grievous, did not I know that thou art an Almighty Physician, to whom nothing is impossible. Cast on me, O my God, a look of compassion, and have mercy on me. Grant that I may know thee, to love thee alone ; that I may know myself, to comprehend the depth of my miseries.
May I never forget the many motives that urge me to the practice of humility, the sins of my past life, my inclination to evil, my inconstancy in virtue, my tepidity in thy service, my ingratitude towards thee, my daily infidelities, and the innumerable defects which, notwithstanding my pride, I cannot disguise from myself. May I at length do myself justice, by sincerely believing myself to be the last of all creatures; may I henceforth shun praise as sedulously as I have hitherto sought it; may my only aim be to please thee, my only desire to be forgotten by the world; may the remembrance of the account I shall have to render of Thy graces, prove a perpetual stimulus to the practice of humility in the use of them. If by thy grace I am ever capable of doing any thing to promote Thy honor, I will refer the glory to thee alone; I will think of the voluntary humiliations of my Savior; I will take Him for my model, that by attaining resemblance with Him, I may deserve to be one day ranked among His elect in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Rev R F Clarke, S. J.
#humility
Ecce Verbum
On humble leadership 'It does not become an ascetic man to desire priesthood or leadership because the urge for leadership is a satanic disease that caused Satan’s fall. Let us now consider the risks incurred by those affected by such disease: they become…
Humility of Christ
We should keep these and similar things before our minds as a safeguard against arrogance; humbling ourselves that we may be exalted, mindful of the Lord Who came down from heaven to our great lowliness, and was in turn raised up from lowliness to the sublimity that belonged to Him.
All that the Lord has done, we shall find, is intended to instruct us in humility. As a Child He lay in a cave; and not in a bed, but in a manger. In the house of a carpenter, and of a poor mother, He was obedient to His mother and to her spouse. While being taught, He listened; learning what He had no need to learn. He asked questions, and, because of His wisdom, His questions instructed those who heard Him. He humbled Himself to John; that the Lord might be baptized by His servant. He resented no one who assailed Him; nor did He use against them the ineffable power that was His; but yielded as to higher power, and yielded to temporal authority the power that belonged to it.
He stood as a criminal before the High Priests. He was led before a judge; and when He could have silenced His calumniators He bore their accusations in silence. He was spat upon by the lowest servants and by slaves, and delivered over to be put to death, and to the most shameful death known to men. And it was in this way He passed His life from birth to death.
And after these humiliations He manifested His glory; sharing His glory with those who were the companions of His lowliness. Of these the first are the blessed Disciples, who poor and naked travelled the world, not with the words of wisdom, not with a multitude of followers, but solitary wanderers, destitute, journeying over land and sea, scourged with whips, stoned, persecuted, and in the end put to death.
These are the Paternal divine lessons we have been taught. Let us return to them, that through humility we may also come to eternal glory, the true and perfect gift of Christ.
St. Basil
🔗link
#humility
We should keep these and similar things before our minds as a safeguard against arrogance; humbling ourselves that we may be exalted, mindful of the Lord Who came down from heaven to our great lowliness, and was in turn raised up from lowliness to the sublimity that belonged to Him.
All that the Lord has done, we shall find, is intended to instruct us in humility. As a Child He lay in a cave; and not in a bed, but in a manger. In the house of a carpenter, and of a poor mother, He was obedient to His mother and to her spouse. While being taught, He listened; learning what He had no need to learn. He asked questions, and, because of His wisdom, His questions instructed those who heard Him. He humbled Himself to John; that the Lord might be baptized by His servant. He resented no one who assailed Him; nor did He use against them the ineffable power that was His; but yielded as to higher power, and yielded to temporal authority the power that belonged to it.
He stood as a criminal before the High Priests. He was led before a judge; and when He could have silenced His calumniators He bore their accusations in silence. He was spat upon by the lowest servants and by slaves, and delivered over to be put to death, and to the most shameful death known to men. And it was in this way He passed His life from birth to death.
And after these humiliations He manifested His glory; sharing His glory with those who were the companions of His lowliness. Of these the first are the blessed Disciples, who poor and naked travelled the world, not with the words of wisdom, not with a multitude of followers, but solitary wanderers, destitute, journeying over land and sea, scourged with whips, stoned, persecuted, and in the end put to death.
These are the Paternal divine lessons we have been taught. Let us return to them, that through humility we may also come to eternal glory, the true and perfect gift of Christ.
St. Basil
🔗link
#humility
Ecce Verbum
Humility of Christ We should keep these and similar things before our minds as a safeguard against arrogance; humbling ourselves that we may be exalted, mindful of the Lord Who came down from heaven to our great lowliness, and was in turn raised up from…
Humility of Christ (2)
How are we to come to this saving humility, leaving behind us the deadly swelling of arrogance? By exercising ourselves in it in all things, and by keeping in mind that there is nothing which cannot be a danger to us. For the soul becomes like the things it gives itself to; and takes the character and appearance of what it does.
Let your demeanour, your dress, your walking, your sitting down, the nature of your food, the quality of your bed, your house and what it contains, aim at simplicity. And let your speech, your singing, your manner with your neighbour, let these things also be more in accord with humility than with vanity. In your words let there be no empty pretence, in your singing no excessive sweetness, in conversation be not ponderous or overbearing. In everything refrain from seeking to appear important. Be a help to your friends, kind to the ones who live with you, gentle to your servant, patient with those who are troublesome, loving towards the lowly, comforting to those in trouble, visiting those in affliction, never despising anyone, gracious in friendship, cheerful in answering others, courteous, approachable to everyone, never speaking your own praises, nor getting others to speak them, never taking part in unbecoming conversation, and concealing where you may whatever gifts you possess.
Be on your guard, therefore and bear in mind, this example of severe loss, sustained through arrogance.( Luke 18:14) The one guilty of insolent behaviour suffered the loss of his justice and forfeited his reward, by his bold self-reliance. He was judged inferior to a humble man and a sinner because, in his self-exaltation, he did not await the judgement of God but pronounced it himself.
Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner, who has committed many terrible transgressions!”
St. Basil
“After he had washed their feet, he put his cloak back on and reclined at table once more. He said to them: ‘Do you understand what I just did for you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’, and fittingly enough, for that is what I am. But if I washed your feet – I who am teacher and lord – then you must wash each other’s feet. What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do.” (Jn 13:12-15).
“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to give but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt.20,20-28)
“I tell you, this man went back to his home, justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but he who humbles himself, will be exalted” (Luke 18:14)
🔗link
#humility
How are we to come to this saving humility, leaving behind us the deadly swelling of arrogance? By exercising ourselves in it in all things, and by keeping in mind that there is nothing which cannot be a danger to us. For the soul becomes like the things it gives itself to; and takes the character and appearance of what it does.
Let your demeanour, your dress, your walking, your sitting down, the nature of your food, the quality of your bed, your house and what it contains, aim at simplicity. And let your speech, your singing, your manner with your neighbour, let these things also be more in accord with humility than with vanity. In your words let there be no empty pretence, in your singing no excessive sweetness, in conversation be not ponderous or overbearing. In everything refrain from seeking to appear important. Be a help to your friends, kind to the ones who live with you, gentle to your servant, patient with those who are troublesome, loving towards the lowly, comforting to those in trouble, visiting those in affliction, never despising anyone, gracious in friendship, cheerful in answering others, courteous, approachable to everyone, never speaking your own praises, nor getting others to speak them, never taking part in unbecoming conversation, and concealing where you may whatever gifts you possess.
Be on your guard, therefore and bear in mind, this example of severe loss, sustained through arrogance.( Luke 18:14) The one guilty of insolent behaviour suffered the loss of his justice and forfeited his reward, by his bold self-reliance. He was judged inferior to a humble man and a sinner because, in his self-exaltation, he did not await the judgement of God but pronounced it himself.
Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner, who has committed many terrible transgressions!”
St. Basil
“After he had washed their feet, he put his cloak back on and reclined at table once more. He said to them: ‘Do you understand what I just did for you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’, and fittingly enough, for that is what I am. But if I washed your feet – I who am teacher and lord – then you must wash each other’s feet. What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do.” (Jn 13:12-15).
“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to give but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt.20,20-28)
“I tell you, this man went back to his home, justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but he who humbles himself, will be exalted” (Luke 18:14)
🔗link
#humility
Ecce Verbum
Humility of Christ (2) How are we to come to this saving humility, leaving behind us the deadly swelling of arrogance? By exercising ourselves in it in all things, and by keeping in mind that there is nothing which cannot be a danger to us. For the soul…
Being a servant is a blessing and those you serve are a blessing as well
Humility and compassion cannot reach perfection unless Man finds someone to submit to and have compassion on him. In the same way, he cannot practice patience if there is no one to oppose him.
It would be naïve to think that virtues can be acquired through books; a carpenter who knows about carpentry without having ever practiced it. Paul, the Apostle, said, “A righteous man is not the one who listens to the law, but he who puts it into practice,” (Rom 2:13). The Lord’s love for men was not limited to teaching humility through words but He added to it the washing of the disciples’ feet. Let us ask ourselves, “Whose feet did I wash? Am I better than anyone or less than anyone?”
It is becoming for the ascetic one to welcome modest jobs knowing that whatever is done for God’s sake prepares him to the heavenly kingdom. It is also a reminder of the two apostles who readily obeyed the Lord’s order to go and bring the colt, and of His saying unto them, “Whatever you do to my brothers, you have done to me.” We remember as well that being the Lord, His services to His disciples included the most modest ones to the extent of washing their feet. What more glory for Man than to imitate God? In fact, it is through modest jobs that he attains the glory that elevates him to resemble his Lord.
In order to be a good servant, one has first to establish himself in the love of Christ with great humility. Thus, his behavior and his appearance will be as convincing as his teaching. He will aim at perfection by imitating Christ as far as our humane nature permits.
Those who are trusted to guide others must be mediators between God and men in such ways that those they instruct will also learn from them to follow Christ’s example. Paul said in his Epistle I to Cor 11, “Follow my example as I followed Christ’s example.” As we admit that we aim at Christ’s perfection according to our possibilities; we, therefore, establish that meekness and humility are as intent as taught by Him. He said, “Learn from me that I am meek and humble in heart,” (Mat 11: 29). He did not disdain to serve his slaves but rather, He modestly served the mud and dust He had used, to create Man in His image and resemblance and declared being a servant among His disciples. We remember that while serving others we are serving our equals in humanity; unlike Christ, the Perfect One, who served us. However, serving for His sake and following His way, we will be likening ourselves to Him within our possibilities.
It befalls to the spiritual leader not to give way to self-pride by the fact of his leadership, or else he would shift himself from the blessing of the saints to the rule of Satan. He has to keep in mind that caring for the group comes up to enslave himself for them in the same way as serving the wounded ones and cleaning their infected wounds. He has to search for the appropriate remedy to heal their sickness and insure their security, remembering the saying of the apostle that he will be accounted for each of them as the Lord said, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant,” (Mat 20: 27).
As the greatest among the brothers are servants at the service of the body, so should all share with them without any pride, knowing that through humility, the greater serves the younger, as our Savior has given us the example. He washed the disciples’ feet and no one dared to object, except Peter, out of respect, but he soon reversed to obedience. Thus, the smaller will let the greater serve him in obedience and respect for his humility.
St. Basil
🔗link
#humility
Humility and compassion cannot reach perfection unless Man finds someone to submit to and have compassion on him. In the same way, he cannot practice patience if there is no one to oppose him.
It would be naïve to think that virtues can be acquired through books; a carpenter who knows about carpentry without having ever practiced it. Paul, the Apostle, said, “A righteous man is not the one who listens to the law, but he who puts it into practice,” (Rom 2:13). The Lord’s love for men was not limited to teaching humility through words but He added to it the washing of the disciples’ feet. Let us ask ourselves, “Whose feet did I wash? Am I better than anyone or less than anyone?”
It is becoming for the ascetic one to welcome modest jobs knowing that whatever is done for God’s sake prepares him to the heavenly kingdom. It is also a reminder of the two apostles who readily obeyed the Lord’s order to go and bring the colt, and of His saying unto them, “Whatever you do to my brothers, you have done to me.” We remember as well that being the Lord, His services to His disciples included the most modest ones to the extent of washing their feet. What more glory for Man than to imitate God? In fact, it is through modest jobs that he attains the glory that elevates him to resemble his Lord.
In order to be a good servant, one has first to establish himself in the love of Christ with great humility. Thus, his behavior and his appearance will be as convincing as his teaching. He will aim at perfection by imitating Christ as far as our humane nature permits.
Those who are trusted to guide others must be mediators between God and men in such ways that those they instruct will also learn from them to follow Christ’s example. Paul said in his Epistle I to Cor 11, “Follow my example as I followed Christ’s example.” As we admit that we aim at Christ’s perfection according to our possibilities; we, therefore, establish that meekness and humility are as intent as taught by Him. He said, “Learn from me that I am meek and humble in heart,” (Mat 11: 29). He did not disdain to serve his slaves but rather, He modestly served the mud and dust He had used, to create Man in His image and resemblance and declared being a servant among His disciples. We remember that while serving others we are serving our equals in humanity; unlike Christ, the Perfect One, who served us. However, serving for His sake and following His way, we will be likening ourselves to Him within our possibilities.
It befalls to the spiritual leader not to give way to self-pride by the fact of his leadership, or else he would shift himself from the blessing of the saints to the rule of Satan. He has to keep in mind that caring for the group comes up to enslave himself for them in the same way as serving the wounded ones and cleaning their infected wounds. He has to search for the appropriate remedy to heal their sickness and insure their security, remembering the saying of the apostle that he will be accounted for each of them as the Lord said, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant,” (Mat 20: 27).
As the greatest among the brothers are servants at the service of the body, so should all share with them without any pride, knowing that through humility, the greater serves the younger, as our Savior has given us the example. He washed the disciples’ feet and no one dared to object, except Peter, out of respect, but he soon reversed to obedience. Thus, the smaller will let the greater serve him in obedience and respect for his humility.
St. Basil
🔗link
#humility
Ecce Verbum
That a man should not be too much dejected when he falls into some defects Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis Son, patience and humility under adversity please Me more than much consolation and devotion in prosperity. Why art thou afflicted at a little…
Whence our miseries come
"Our first misery is that we esteem ourselves; if we fall into any sin or imperfection, we are astonished, troubled, impatient, simply because we thought there was something good, resolute, solid, within us; and, therefore; when we find out there was no such thing we are grieved and offended at having deceived ourselves. If we knew ourselves as we really are, instead of being amazed to see ourselves prostrate on the ground, we should be surprised to see ourselves stand for a single day, or even for one hour."
"Endeavour to perform your actions perfectly, and having done this, think no more about them; but think of what you have yet to do, advancing with simplicity in the way of God, without tormenting your mind. It is necessary to detest your defects, not with a detestation of trouble and vexation, but with a tranquil detestation."
Thomas á Kempis, Imitation of Christ
#humility #kempis #spirituallife
"Our first misery is that we esteem ourselves; if we fall into any sin or imperfection, we are astonished, troubled, impatient, simply because we thought there was something good, resolute, solid, within us; and, therefore; when we find out there was no such thing we are grieved and offended at having deceived ourselves. If we knew ourselves as we really are, instead of being amazed to see ourselves prostrate on the ground, we should be surprised to see ourselves stand for a single day, or even for one hour."
"Endeavour to perform your actions perfectly, and having done this, think no more about them; but think of what you have yet to do, advancing with simplicity in the way of God, without tormenting your mind. It is necessary to detest your defects, not with a detestation of trouble and vexation, but with a tranquil detestation."
Thomas á Kempis, Imitation of Christ
#humility #kempis #spirituallife
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Ecce Verbum
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
by Thomas a Kempis
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
The treatise "Of the Imitation of Christ" appears to have been
originally written in Latin early in the fifteenth century. Its
exact date and its authorship are still under debate.The most…
by Thomas a Kempis
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
The treatise "Of the Imitation of Christ" appears to have been
originally written in Latin early in the fifteenth century. Its
exact date and its authorship are still under debate.The most…
Ecce Verbum
On humble leadership 'It does not become an ascetic man to desire priesthood or leadership because the urge for leadership is a satanic disease that caused Satan’s fall. Let us now consider the risks incurred by those affected by such disease: they become…
Our Lord Jesus is the example for serving in humbleness
"And having risen from supper, and laid aside His garments, He began to wash the disciples' feet."
John 13:4-5
"What was it that urged our Lord Jesus Christ to, “take a towel and gird Himself and then pour water into a basin and wash His disciples feet?” Is it not, my children, to teach us humility through this deed? For those who are looking forward to recover their original dignity, there is nothing as such humility."
St Anthony
"In order to be a good servant, one has first to establish himself in the love of Christ with great humility. Thus, his behavior and his appearance will be as convincing as his teaching. He will aim at perfection by imitating Christ as far as our humane nature permits. Those who are trusted to guide others must be mediators between God and men in such ways that those they instruct will also learn from them to follow Christ’s example. Paul said in his Epistle I to Cor 11, “Follow my example as I followed Christ’s example.” As we admit that we aim at Christ’s perfection according to our possibilities; we, therefore, establish that meekness and humility are as intent as taught by Him. He said, “Learn from me that I am meek and humble in heart,” (Mat 11: 29). He did not disdain to serve his slaves but rather, He modestly served the mud and dust He had used, to create Man in His image and resemblance and declared being a servant among His disciples. We remember that while serving others we are serving our equals in humanity; unlike Christ, the Perfect One, who served us. However, serving for His sake and following His way, we will be likening ourselves to Him within our possibilities."
"It befalls to the spiritual leader not to give way to self-pride by the fact of his leadership, or else he would shift himself from the blessing of the saints to the rule of Satan. He has to keep in mind that caring for the group comes up to enslave himself for them in the same way as serving the wounded ones and cleaning their infected wounds. He has to search for the appropriate remedy to heal their sickness and insure their security, remembering the saying of the apostle that he will be accounted for each of them as the Lord said, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant,” (Mat 20: 27). As the greatest among the brothers are servants at the service of the body, so should all share with them without any pride, knowing that through humility, the greater serves the younger, as our Savior has given us the example. He washed the disciples’ feet and no one dared to object, except Peter, out of respect, but he soon reversed to obedience. Thus, the smaller will let the greater serve him in obedience and respect for his humility."
St Basil, sermon on humility
"It is suitable for all to be modest and to serve all people with no distinction and the stranger as well. Whatever his rank or nobility, the good servant should be ready to serve his fellowmen and wash their feet. Thus, he will be more respected and appreciated, although he would not have made a great achievement. He will be serving a fellowman, his equal in servitude. Above all, be aware not to be proud of your high position, considering the glory of our Lord the Christ washing his disciples’ feet."
St John Chrysostom, homily 70
more:
St Augustine on leadership
Meditations on Humility, Rev. R.F. Clarke S. J
#humility
"And having risen from supper, and laid aside His garments, He began to wash the disciples' feet."
John 13:4-5
"What was it that urged our Lord Jesus Christ to, “take a towel and gird Himself and then pour water into a basin and wash His disciples feet?” Is it not, my children, to teach us humility through this deed? For those who are looking forward to recover their original dignity, there is nothing as such humility."
St Anthony
"In order to be a good servant, one has first to establish himself in the love of Christ with great humility. Thus, his behavior and his appearance will be as convincing as his teaching. He will aim at perfection by imitating Christ as far as our humane nature permits. Those who are trusted to guide others must be mediators between God and men in such ways that those they instruct will also learn from them to follow Christ’s example. Paul said in his Epistle I to Cor 11, “Follow my example as I followed Christ’s example.” As we admit that we aim at Christ’s perfection according to our possibilities; we, therefore, establish that meekness and humility are as intent as taught by Him. He said, “Learn from me that I am meek and humble in heart,” (Mat 11: 29). He did not disdain to serve his slaves but rather, He modestly served the mud and dust He had used, to create Man in His image and resemblance and declared being a servant among His disciples. We remember that while serving others we are serving our equals in humanity; unlike Christ, the Perfect One, who served us. However, serving for His sake and following His way, we will be likening ourselves to Him within our possibilities."
"It befalls to the spiritual leader not to give way to self-pride by the fact of his leadership, or else he would shift himself from the blessing of the saints to the rule of Satan. He has to keep in mind that caring for the group comes up to enslave himself for them in the same way as serving the wounded ones and cleaning their infected wounds. He has to search for the appropriate remedy to heal their sickness and insure their security, remembering the saying of the apostle that he will be accounted for each of them as the Lord said, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant,” (Mat 20: 27). As the greatest among the brothers are servants at the service of the body, so should all share with them without any pride, knowing that through humility, the greater serves the younger, as our Savior has given us the example. He washed the disciples’ feet and no one dared to object, except Peter, out of respect, but he soon reversed to obedience. Thus, the smaller will let the greater serve him in obedience and respect for his humility."
St Basil, sermon on humility
"It is suitable for all to be modest and to serve all people with no distinction and the stranger as well. Whatever his rank or nobility, the good servant should be ready to serve his fellowmen and wash their feet. Thus, he will be more respected and appreciated, although he would not have made a great achievement. He will be serving a fellowman, his equal in servitude. Above all, be aware not to be proud of your high position, considering the glory of our Lord the Christ washing his disciples’ feet."
St John Chrysostom, homily 70
more:
St Augustine on leadership
Meditations on Humility, Rev. R.F. Clarke S. J
#humility
www.newadvent.org
CHURCH FATHERS: Life of St. Anthony (Athanasius)
Featuring the Church Fathers, Catholic Encyclopedia, Summa Theologica and more.
Ecce Verbum
abandonmenttothedivineprovidence.pdf
If we see the will of God in all things, whether good or bad, and in all simplicity, we will overcome everything
Abandonment to Divine Providence, Rev. J. P. de Caussade, S.J. page 88
'In the state of abandonment the soul finds more light and strength, through submission to the divine action, than all those possess who resist it through pride. Of what use are the most sublime illuminations, the most divine revelations, if one has no love for the will of God? A simple soul, enlightened only by faith, can never tire of admiring, praising, and loving the order of God; of finding it not only in holy creatures, but even in the most irregular confusion and disorder.'
'The devotion of the faithful soul to its obligations; its quiet submission to the intimate promptings of grace; its gentleness and humility towards everyone; are of more value than the most profound insight into mysteries.'
'If one regarded only the divine action in all the pride and harshness of creatures, one would never treat them with anything but sweetness and respect. Their roughness would never disturb the divine order, whatever course it might take. One must only see in it the divine action, given and taken, as long as one is faithful in the practice of sweetness and humility.'
'It is best not to observe their way of proceeding, but always to walk with firm steps in our own path. It is thus that by bending gently, cedars are broken, and rocks overthrown.'
'Who amongst creatures can resist a faithful, gentle, and humble soul? These are the only arms to be taken if we wish to conquer all our enemies. Jesus Christ has placed them in our hands that we may defend ourselves; there is nothing to fear if we know how to use them.'
'We must not be cowardly, but generous. This is the only disposition suitable to the instruments of God.'
'All the works of God are sublime and marvellous; while one’s own actions, when they war against God, cannot resist the divine action in one who is united to it by sweetness and humility.'
'The more light, science, and capacity a person has, the more he is to be feared if he does not possess a foundation of piety, which consists in being satisfied with God and His will.'
'It is by a well-regulated heart that one is united to the divine action; without this everything is purely natural, and generally, in direct opposition to the divine order.'
#humility
Abandonment to Divine Providence, Rev. J. P. de Caussade, S.J. page 88
'In the state of abandonment the soul finds more light and strength, through submission to the divine action, than all those possess who resist it through pride. Of what use are the most sublime illuminations, the most divine revelations, if one has no love for the will of God? A simple soul, enlightened only by faith, can never tire of admiring, praising, and loving the order of God; of finding it not only in holy creatures, but even in the most irregular confusion and disorder.'
'The devotion of the faithful soul to its obligations; its quiet submission to the intimate promptings of grace; its gentleness and humility towards everyone; are of more value than the most profound insight into mysteries.'
'If one regarded only the divine action in all the pride and harshness of creatures, one would never treat them with anything but sweetness and respect. Their roughness would never disturb the divine order, whatever course it might take. One must only see in it the divine action, given and taken, as long as one is faithful in the practice of sweetness and humility.'
'It is best not to observe their way of proceeding, but always to walk with firm steps in our own path. It is thus that by bending gently, cedars are broken, and rocks overthrown.'
'Who amongst creatures can resist a faithful, gentle, and humble soul? These are the only arms to be taken if we wish to conquer all our enemies. Jesus Christ has placed them in our hands that we may defend ourselves; there is nothing to fear if we know how to use them.'
'We must not be cowardly, but generous. This is the only disposition suitable to the instruments of God.'
'All the works of God are sublime and marvellous; while one’s own actions, when they war against God, cannot resist the divine action in one who is united to it by sweetness and humility.'
'The more light, science, and capacity a person has, the more he is to be feared if he does not possess a foundation of piety, which consists in being satisfied with God and His will.'
'It is by a well-regulated heart that one is united to the divine action; without this everything is purely natural, and generally, in direct opposition to the divine order.'
#humility
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Ecce Verbum
Abandonment to Divine Providence
Jean-Pierre de Caussade S.J.
The Rev. Jean Pierre de Caussade was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers of the Society of Jesus in France in the 18th Century. The book is divided into two unequal parts, the first…
Jean-Pierre de Caussade S.J.
The Rev. Jean Pierre de Caussade was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers of the Society of Jesus in France in the 18th Century. The book is divided into two unequal parts, the first…
st_bernard_of_clairvaux_the_twelve_degrees_of_humility_and_pride.pdf
229.8 KB
The Twelve Degrees of Humility and of Pride
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
(summary)
A work on how vices lead up to a slavery of sin (the habit of sinning)
As St. Augustine says, For of a forward will, was a lust made; and a lust served, became custom; and custom not resisted, became necessity.(Conf 8.5.10)
Bernard shows humility as an indispensable and fundamental requirement for our spiritual perfection and ultimate union with God. He begins with the notion of humility as the way that leads to "truth," with Truth being God himself. The man who seeks to find perfection will be assured of finding Christ. Humility is the first stage in that process, i.e., the search for the truth must begin by a comprehensive self-examination.
full version
#humility
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
(summary)
A work on how vices lead up to a slavery of sin (the habit of sinning)
As St. Augustine says, For of a forward will, was a lust made; and a lust served, became custom; and custom not resisted, became necessity.(Conf 8.5.10)
Bernard shows humility as an indispensable and fundamental requirement for our spiritual perfection and ultimate union with God. He begins with the notion of humility as the way that leads to "truth," with Truth being God himself. The man who seeks to find perfection will be assured of finding Christ. Humility is the first stage in that process, i.e., the search for the truth must begin by a comprehensive self-examination.
full version
#humility
Learning humility
St. Bernard of Clairvaux,Sermons on the Song of Songs:
"Observe, my brethren, how humility justifies us. Humility, I say, not humiliation. How many there are who suffer humiliation without being humble! Some endure humiliation with bitterness, others with patience, others again with gladness. The first class are culpable, the second are innocent, the last are just. Although innocence may be considered a part of justice, still the perfection of justice belongs to humility. Now, he is truly humble who can say from his heart, "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me." But he who submits to humiliation against his will cannot sincerely say this. Much less, he who murmurs against it. To neither of these do I promise grace simply because he is humbled. Yet there is a vast difference between the two, since the one possesses his soul in patience, whereas the other perishes in his discontent. But, although the latter merits indignation, neither merits grace. For it is not to the humbled but to the humble that God gives His grace. The humble man is he who converts humiliation into humility, and it is only such can say to God, "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me."
#humility
St. Bernard of Clairvaux,Sermons on the Song of Songs:
"Observe, my brethren, how humility justifies us. Humility, I say, not humiliation. How many there are who suffer humiliation without being humble! Some endure humiliation with bitterness, others with patience, others again with gladness. The first class are culpable, the second are innocent, the last are just. Although innocence may be considered a part of justice, still the perfection of justice belongs to humility. Now, he is truly humble who can say from his heart, "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me." But he who submits to humiliation against his will cannot sincerely say this. Much less, he who murmurs against it. To neither of these do I promise grace simply because he is humbled. Yet there is a vast difference between the two, since the one possesses his soul in patience, whereas the other perishes in his discontent. But, although the latter merits indignation, neither merits grace. For it is not to the humbled but to the humble that God gives His grace. The humble man is he who converts humiliation into humility, and it is only such can say to God, "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me."
#humility
Internet Archive
St. Bernard's sermons on the Canticle of Canticles : Bernard, of Clairvaux, Saint, 1090 or 91-1153 : Free Download, Borrow, and…
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Ecce Verbum
Our Lord Jesus is the example for serving in humbleness "And having risen from supper, and laid aside His garments, He began to wash the disciples' feet." John 13:4-5 "What was it that urged our Lord Jesus Christ to, “take a towel and gird Himself and then…
Humility corrects false religiosity
In Introduction to the Devout Life, St Francis De Sales warns of a kind of false religiosity that can convince both others and ourselves that we’re right with God, when we’re not. Specifically, he warned of our tendency to “colour devotion according to our own likings and disposition”:
''One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, although the while his heart is full of bitterness;–and while he will not moisten his lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in his great abstinence, he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbour’s blood, through slander and detraction. Another man reckons himself as devout because he repeats many prayers daily, although at the same time he does not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting speeches among his family and neighbors. This man freely opens his purse in almsgiving, but closes his heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to him; while that one is ready enough to forgive his enemies, but will never pay his rightful debts save under pressure. Meanwhile all these people are conventionally called religious, but nevertheless they are in no true sense really devout.”
St Thomas A Kempis, in Imitation of Christ, warns of a similar false security, that of thinking that knowing the Faith well is the same as living the Faith:
''What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it.'''
''For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone.''
"Learn to love humility, for it will cover all your sins. All sins are repulsive before God, but the most repulsive of all is pride of the heart. Do not consider yourself learned and wise; otherwise, all your efforts will be destroyed, and your boat will reach the harbor empty. ”
St Anthony the Great
When we grow in virtue, let us be thankful, admitting that victory comes from God because it is He Who grew it in us. Humility is the treasure that protects all
virtues.
St Basil
Examine yourself everyday and determine which struggle you have won without exalting yourself but say, “Mercy and help come from God,” and do not think that you have done any good until you reach your last breath.''
St Moses the Black
“Once humility is acquired, charity will come to life like a burning flame devouring the corruption of vice and filling the heart so full, that there is no place for vanity.”
St Vincent Ferrer
#humility
In Introduction to the Devout Life, St Francis De Sales warns of a kind of false religiosity that can convince both others and ourselves that we’re right with God, when we’re not. Specifically, he warned of our tendency to “colour devotion according to our own likings and disposition”:
''One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, although the while his heart is full of bitterness;–and while he will not moisten his lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in his great abstinence, he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbour’s blood, through slander and detraction. Another man reckons himself as devout because he repeats many prayers daily, although at the same time he does not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting speeches among his family and neighbors. This man freely opens his purse in almsgiving, but closes his heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to him; while that one is ready enough to forgive his enemies, but will never pay his rightful debts save under pressure. Meanwhile all these people are conventionally called religious, but nevertheless they are in no true sense really devout.”
St Thomas A Kempis, in Imitation of Christ, warns of a similar false security, that of thinking that knowing the Faith well is the same as living the Faith:
''What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it.'''
''For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone.''
"Learn to love humility, for it will cover all your sins. All sins are repulsive before God, but the most repulsive of all is pride of the heart. Do not consider yourself learned and wise; otherwise, all your efforts will be destroyed, and your boat will reach the harbor empty. ”
St Anthony the Great
When we grow in virtue, let us be thankful, admitting that victory comes from God because it is He Who grew it in us. Humility is the treasure that protects all
virtues.
St Basil
Examine yourself everyday and determine which struggle you have won without exalting yourself but say, “Mercy and help come from God,” and do not think that you have done any good until you reach your last breath.''
St Moses the Black
“Once humility is acquired, charity will come to life like a burning flame devouring the corruption of vice and filling the heart so full, that there is no place for vanity.”
St Vincent Ferrer
#humility
Ecce Verbum
Augustine on Beauty From his Confessions "Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which…
The beauty of humility
St. Gregory I, Moralia in Iob, Part VI, Book XXXV
"All human wisdom, however powerful in acuteness, is foolishness, when compared with Divine wisdom. For all human deeds which are just and beautiful are, when compared with the justice and beauty of God, neither just nor beautiful, nor have any existence at all.
Blessed Job therefore would believe that he had said wisely what he had said, if he did not hear the words of superior wisdom. In comparison with which all our wisdom is folly. And he who had spoken wisely to men, on hearing the Divine sayings, discourses more wisely that he is not wise. Hence it is that Abraham saw, when God was addressing him, that he was nothing but dust, saying; I speak unto my Lord, though I am dust and ashes. [Gen. 18, 27] Hence it is that Moses, though instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, as soon as he heard the Lord speaking, discovered that he was a person of more hesitating and slower speech, saying; I beseech Thee, O Lord, I am not eloquent; for from yesterday, and the day before, since Thou hast spoken unto Thy servant, I am of a more hesitating and slower tongue. [Ex. 4, 10]
Hence Ezekiel speaking concerning the four animals, says; When there was a voice above the firmament, which was over their heads, they stood, and let down their wings. [Ez. 1, 25] For what is designated by the flying of the animals but the sublimity of evangelists and doctors? Or what are the wings of the animals, but the contemplations of saints raising them up to heavenly things? But when a voice is uttered above the firmament which is over their heads, they stand, and let down their wings, because when they hear within the voice of heavenly wisdom, they drop down, as it were, the wings of their flight. For they discern, in truth, that they are not able to contemplate the loftiness itself of truth.
To drop down their wings then at the voice which comes from above, is, on learning the power of God, to bring down our own virtues, and from contemplating the Creator, to think but humbly of ourselves.
When holy men, therefore, hear the words of God, the more they advance in contemplation, the more they despise what they are, and know themselves to be either nothing, or next to nothing."
#humility
St. Gregory I, Moralia in Iob, Part VI, Book XXXV
"All human wisdom, however powerful in acuteness, is foolishness, when compared with Divine wisdom. For all human deeds which are just and beautiful are, when compared with the justice and beauty of God, neither just nor beautiful, nor have any existence at all.
Blessed Job therefore would believe that he had said wisely what he had said, if he did not hear the words of superior wisdom. In comparison with which all our wisdom is folly. And he who had spoken wisely to men, on hearing the Divine sayings, discourses more wisely that he is not wise. Hence it is that Abraham saw, when God was addressing him, that he was nothing but dust, saying; I speak unto my Lord, though I am dust and ashes. [Gen. 18, 27] Hence it is that Moses, though instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, as soon as he heard the Lord speaking, discovered that he was a person of more hesitating and slower speech, saying; I beseech Thee, O Lord, I am not eloquent; for from yesterday, and the day before, since Thou hast spoken unto Thy servant, I am of a more hesitating and slower tongue. [Ex. 4, 10]
Hence Ezekiel speaking concerning the four animals, says; When there was a voice above the firmament, which was over their heads, they stood, and let down their wings. [Ez. 1, 25] For what is designated by the flying of the animals but the sublimity of evangelists and doctors? Or what are the wings of the animals, but the contemplations of saints raising them up to heavenly things? But when a voice is uttered above the firmament which is over their heads, they stand, and let down their wings, because when they hear within the voice of heavenly wisdom, they drop down, as it were, the wings of their flight. For they discern, in truth, that they are not able to contemplate the loftiness itself of truth.
To drop down their wings then at the voice which comes from above, is, on learning the power of God, to bring down our own virtues, and from contemplating the Creator, to think but humbly of ourselves.
When holy men, therefore, hear the words of God, the more they advance in contemplation, the more they despise what they are, and know themselves to be either nothing, or next to nothing."
#humility
Ecce Verbum
Humility corrects false religiosity In Introduction to the Devout Life, St Francis De Sales warns of a kind of false religiosity that can convince both others and ourselves that we’re right with God, when we’re not. Specifically, he warned of our tendency…
All the good that is in us comes from God - On the words of prideful men
"Humility is charitable, interpreting all things for the best and pitying and excusing the faults of others as much as possible. For this reason St. Peter, wishing to exhort us to love and have compassion upon our fellow-creatures, also exhorts us at the same time to be humble: "Having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood-----humble," [1 Pet. iii, 8] for there can be no charity without humility, and therefore to censure and criticize too readily the actions of our neighbors and to judge and speak ill of them are vices which are directly opposed to the virtue of humility. Who has given me the power to judge my brethren? When I thus constitute myself their judge and in the tribunal of my thoughts condemn first one and then another, I am usurping an authority I do not possess and which belongs to God alone: "For God is Judge." [Ps. xlix, 6]
And if this is not pride, what is pride? In punishment of such arrogance God often permits us to fall into the very faults that we have condemned in others, and it is well for us to remember the teaching of St. Paul: "Wherefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest. For wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thyself." [Rom. ii, 1] There is always some pharisaical pride in the heart of him who judges and speaks evil of others, because in belittling others he exalts himself. It is in vain that we try hard cover our evil-speaking under ,the veil of some good motive; it must always be the result of pride which is quick to find out the weaknesses of others while remaining blind to its own.
If we are guilty of pride let us try and amend and not flatter ourselves that we possess the smallest degree of humility, until by our good resolutions carefully carried out we have mortified our evil tendency to speak ill of our neighbor. Let us hearken to the Holy Ghost: "Where pride is there also shall be reproach, but where humility is there also is wisdom." [Prov. xi, 2]
The proud man is scornful and arrogant in his speech; and the humble alone knows how to speak well and wisely. If there is humility in the heart it will be manifested in the speech, because "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good." [Luke vi, 45]
What good qualities have we of our own for which we can praise ourselves? All the good that is in us comes from God, and to Him alone we must give praise and honor. When, therefore, we praise ourselves we are usurping glory which is due to God alone. Even though in praising ourselves we sometimes refer all to the honor of God, it matters little; when there is no absolute necessity it is better to abstain from self-praise, for although we refer all to the glory of God with our lips, our ingenious and subtle self-love cannot fail to appropriate it secretly. And even speaking depreciatingly of ourselves there may lurk some hypocritical pride in our words, such as was mentioned by the sage of old when he said: "There is one that humbleth himself wickedly, and his interior is full of deceit." [Ecclus xix, 23]
Therefore we can never watch over ourselves enough, because there is nothing that teaches us so well to know the pride of our heart as our words, with which we either reveal or hide the depravity of our affections. And this is the characteristic of the proud, according to St. Bernard: "One who boastfully proclaims what he is, or lies about what he is not." [Epist. lxxxvii]
Let us bear in heart and mind this precious advice given by Tobias to his son: "Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words." [Tob. iv, 14] The words of a proud man are nauseous, whether he speaks of himself or others, and they are hated both by God and man: therefore we should detest this vice, not only from the Christian but also from the human standpoint."
Humility of Heart by Fr Cajetan Mary da Bergamo 🔗
#humility #speech
"Humility is charitable, interpreting all things for the best and pitying and excusing the faults of others as much as possible. For this reason St. Peter, wishing to exhort us to love and have compassion upon our fellow-creatures, also exhorts us at the same time to be humble: "Having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood-----humble," [1 Pet. iii, 8] for there can be no charity without humility, and therefore to censure and criticize too readily the actions of our neighbors and to judge and speak ill of them are vices which are directly opposed to the virtue of humility. Who has given me the power to judge my brethren? When I thus constitute myself their judge and in the tribunal of my thoughts condemn first one and then another, I am usurping an authority I do not possess and which belongs to God alone: "For God is Judge." [Ps. xlix, 6]
And if this is not pride, what is pride? In punishment of such arrogance God often permits us to fall into the very faults that we have condemned in others, and it is well for us to remember the teaching of St. Paul: "Wherefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest. For wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thyself." [Rom. ii, 1] There is always some pharisaical pride in the heart of him who judges and speaks evil of others, because in belittling others he exalts himself. It is in vain that we try hard cover our evil-speaking under ,the veil of some good motive; it must always be the result of pride which is quick to find out the weaknesses of others while remaining blind to its own.
If we are guilty of pride let us try and amend and not flatter ourselves that we possess the smallest degree of humility, until by our good resolutions carefully carried out we have mortified our evil tendency to speak ill of our neighbor. Let us hearken to the Holy Ghost: "Where pride is there also shall be reproach, but where humility is there also is wisdom." [Prov. xi, 2]
The proud man is scornful and arrogant in his speech; and the humble alone knows how to speak well and wisely. If there is humility in the heart it will be manifested in the speech, because "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good." [Luke vi, 45]
What good qualities have we of our own for which we can praise ourselves? All the good that is in us comes from God, and to Him alone we must give praise and honor. When, therefore, we praise ourselves we are usurping glory which is due to God alone. Even though in praising ourselves we sometimes refer all to the honor of God, it matters little; when there is no absolute necessity it is better to abstain from self-praise, for although we refer all to the glory of God with our lips, our ingenious and subtle self-love cannot fail to appropriate it secretly. And even speaking depreciatingly of ourselves there may lurk some hypocritical pride in our words, such as was mentioned by the sage of old when he said: "There is one that humbleth himself wickedly, and his interior is full of deceit." [Ecclus xix, 23]
Therefore we can never watch over ourselves enough, because there is nothing that teaches us so well to know the pride of our heart as our words, with which we either reveal or hide the depravity of our affections. And this is the characteristic of the proud, according to St. Bernard: "One who boastfully proclaims what he is, or lies about what he is not." [Epist. lxxxvii]
Let us bear in heart and mind this precious advice given by Tobias to his son: "Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words." [Tob. iv, 14] The words of a proud man are nauseous, whether he speaks of himself or others, and they are hated both by God and man: therefore we should detest this vice, not only from the Christian but also from the human standpoint."
Humility of Heart by Fr Cajetan Mary da Bergamo 🔗
#humility #speech
Ecce Verbum
The Saints and the Successful "The cult of saints excludes the cult of success--the veneration of those people who have got on well in this world, the snobbish admiration of wealth and fame. This does not mean that a person who apparently has succeeded in…
Wealth without sin
*(Sirach 13:24 ) Wealth is good as long as it's free of sin; the ungodly speak of poverty as an evil in and of itself.
*In the words of Jesus, the rich man's road to heaven is particularly winding and difficult. It is full of dangers and certainly "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 19,24). Our Saviour repeatedly instructs us not to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, but in heaven (Mt 6,19- -21), not to get gold or silver or copper for our purses (Mt 10,9), to get rid of our worries about what to eat and drink and what to wear (Mt 6,25). The fate of the possessors of riches is defined by Christ's "woe to you rich men, for you have already taken away your comfort" (Lk 6,24). "Woe" is also mentioned in the parable of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31). Through this parable, Jesus intends to explain to his listeners that they are mistaken in thinking that if someone is successful in this world, it means that God is favourable to him and, conversely, a lack of success means that God does not give him his blessing. The rich man did not get into hell because he was rich, but because he thought only of himself and did not help Lazarus even though he had the means to do so.
*For the people of Israel, wealth was a sign of God's blessing. God bestowed it as a reward on righteous men, such as Solomon (1 Kings 3:13; 5:1-8; 10:14-22) and Job (Job 1:1-3.9-10; 42:10-12). People believed that having wealth and health was a sign of God's blessing. Sickness and poverty, on the other hand, is a punishment for sins committed. In the book of Job in the Old Testament there is an attempt to break with this way of thinking. Job was a righteous man, yet experienced poverty, illness and other misfortunes. His friends moved away from him because they saw his fate as a punishment for his sins.
*Christ teaches that it is not what is external that makes a person unclean, but what comes from the heart (Mt 15:10-20). Man must not absolutise his property, make it into an idol and thereby aggravate the disorder of his soul.
*Scripture is not an economic treatise. God's revelation directs a moral message to us. Above all, man, whether rich or poor, must guard against the pride to which the misuse of earthly possessions can lead. Pride is a hypocrisy, as we all depend on the merciful God in everything. Such a pride leads to blindness. The Old Testament warns: "Do not rely on your riches, and do not say, 'I am self-sufficient'" (Sir 5:1). Putting one's hope in temporal goods withdraws one from spiritual matters (Wis 11:24; Lk 12:15; Rev 3:17).
*The Lord Jesus does not condemn the mere possession of wealth, nor does he condemn the rich or make an ideal out of poverty. The blessing of the poor concerns above all the sphere of humility - spiritual poverty (Mt 5:3). Our Saviour calls for conversion and the preservation of the primacy of the spiritual sphere in our hierarchy of values. Spiritual poverty consists in the conviction that one's life does not depend on one's possessions (Lk 12:15) “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions".
*According to Christ, the rich man is the one who thinks that his life depends on the goods he possesses and not on God, who has given him these goods for use. Such a person recognises money as his master, whom he serves. But Christ said: no one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will hold with the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon (Mt 6:24)
*The Gospel shows how the rich can make good use of their endowment: The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want (Mk 14:7).The prudence of those who manage their wealth and gain friends through it is praised (Lk 16:1-12) Jesus praises the rich Zacchaeus, who shares his wealth with the needy and makes amends for the wrongs done (Lk 19,1-10).
#humility
*(Sirach 13:24 ) Wealth is good as long as it's free of sin; the ungodly speak of poverty as an evil in and of itself.
*In the words of Jesus, the rich man's road to heaven is particularly winding and difficult. It is full of dangers and certainly "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 19,24). Our Saviour repeatedly instructs us not to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, but in heaven (Mt 6,19- -21), not to get gold or silver or copper for our purses (Mt 10,9), to get rid of our worries about what to eat and drink and what to wear (Mt 6,25). The fate of the possessors of riches is defined by Christ's "woe to you rich men, for you have already taken away your comfort" (Lk 6,24). "Woe" is also mentioned in the parable of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31). Through this parable, Jesus intends to explain to his listeners that they are mistaken in thinking that if someone is successful in this world, it means that God is favourable to him and, conversely, a lack of success means that God does not give him his blessing. The rich man did not get into hell because he was rich, but because he thought only of himself and did not help Lazarus even though he had the means to do so.
*For the people of Israel, wealth was a sign of God's blessing. God bestowed it as a reward on righteous men, such as Solomon (1 Kings 3:13; 5:1-8; 10:14-22) and Job (Job 1:1-3.9-10; 42:10-12). People believed that having wealth and health was a sign of God's blessing. Sickness and poverty, on the other hand, is a punishment for sins committed. In the book of Job in the Old Testament there is an attempt to break with this way of thinking. Job was a righteous man, yet experienced poverty, illness and other misfortunes. His friends moved away from him because they saw his fate as a punishment for his sins.
*Christ teaches that it is not what is external that makes a person unclean, but what comes from the heart (Mt 15:10-20). Man must not absolutise his property, make it into an idol and thereby aggravate the disorder of his soul.
*Scripture is not an economic treatise. God's revelation directs a moral message to us. Above all, man, whether rich or poor, must guard against the pride to which the misuse of earthly possessions can lead. Pride is a hypocrisy, as we all depend on the merciful God in everything. Such a pride leads to blindness. The Old Testament warns: "Do not rely on your riches, and do not say, 'I am self-sufficient'" (Sir 5:1). Putting one's hope in temporal goods withdraws one from spiritual matters (Wis 11:24; Lk 12:15; Rev 3:17).
*The Lord Jesus does not condemn the mere possession of wealth, nor does he condemn the rich or make an ideal out of poverty. The blessing of the poor concerns above all the sphere of humility - spiritual poverty (Mt 5:3). Our Saviour calls for conversion and the preservation of the primacy of the spiritual sphere in our hierarchy of values. Spiritual poverty consists in the conviction that one's life does not depend on one's possessions (Lk 12:15) “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions".
*According to Christ, the rich man is the one who thinks that his life depends on the goods he possesses and not on God, who has given him these goods for use. Such a person recognises money as his master, whom he serves. But Christ said: no one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will hold with the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon (Mt 6:24)
*The Gospel shows how the rich can make good use of their endowment: The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want (Mk 14:7).The prudence of those who manage their wealth and gain friends through it is praised (Lk 16:1-12) Jesus praises the rich Zacchaeus, who shares his wealth with the needy and makes amends for the wrongs done (Lk 19,1-10).
#humility
Ecce Verbum
Humility of Christ (2) How are we to come to this saving humility, leaving behind us the deadly swelling of arrogance? By exercising ourselves in it in all things, and by keeping in mind that there is nothing which cannot be a danger to us. For the soul…
On false and true greatness
1.Vanity
Archbishop Ullathorne examines the connection between pride and vanity:
“If we compare pride in its elation to a dark, swelling wave, vanity is the foam upon its surface. If we compare pride to a soul-destroying fire, vanity is the smoke that flies out of it. The word vanity sounds of things hollow, shallow, and trifling; but that is no trifle which makes the soul light and trivial and unrobes her of her dignity.”
“The vain man has such an image of his perfection before his eyes that, when you point out his failings, he cannot recognise them as belonging to that image. Give a much-needed advice, especially intended for him, and if there are fifty persons present he will applaud its wisdom and see its application to everyone but himself. Give him the same advice in private, and whatever be the wisdom and authority of the adviser, and however kind and gentle the admonition, it wounds him to the quick that anyone should think of him that of which he is so utterly unconscious, although everybody sees it but himself. There is no armour so impenetrable to advice as the chain-mail of vanity.”
All the world is a stage: “Our converse with our fellow-creatures is too often a comedy of vanity, vainglory, or pride. For more characters are acted on the stage of the world than on the stage of the theatre. It is more difficult to be simple before man than before God; yet even before God how much there is in many souls that come before Him which is far from simplicity and near to vanity.
For instance, when you wish to show the Eternal Majesty, who sees every fibre of your poor nature, what fine speeches you can make to Him in your prayers. We are constantly managing our reputation with our neighbours either by fictitious presentations of one’s self, or by suppression of one’s true character, or by being one thing to one’s self and another to one’s neighbour, playing the comedy of vanity in one way to one person and in another way to another. Self-love moves us to act these parts, although the actor most commonly appears through the character.”
Michael F. Glancey, Characteristics From the 🔗Writings of Archbishop Ullathorne,1889
🔗 2. Pride
🔗 3. Humility
#humility
1.Vanity
Archbishop Ullathorne examines the connection between pride and vanity:
“If we compare pride in its elation to a dark, swelling wave, vanity is the foam upon its surface. If we compare pride to a soul-destroying fire, vanity is the smoke that flies out of it. The word vanity sounds of things hollow, shallow, and trifling; but that is no trifle which makes the soul light and trivial and unrobes her of her dignity.”
“The vain man has such an image of his perfection before his eyes that, when you point out his failings, he cannot recognise them as belonging to that image. Give a much-needed advice, especially intended for him, and if there are fifty persons present he will applaud its wisdom and see its application to everyone but himself. Give him the same advice in private, and whatever be the wisdom and authority of the adviser, and however kind and gentle the admonition, it wounds him to the quick that anyone should think of him that of which he is so utterly unconscious, although everybody sees it but himself. There is no armour so impenetrable to advice as the chain-mail of vanity.”
All the world is a stage: “Our converse with our fellow-creatures is too often a comedy of vanity, vainglory, or pride. For more characters are acted on the stage of the world than on the stage of the theatre. It is more difficult to be simple before man than before God; yet even before God how much there is in many souls that come before Him which is far from simplicity and near to vanity.
For instance, when you wish to show the Eternal Majesty, who sees every fibre of your poor nature, what fine speeches you can make to Him in your prayers. We are constantly managing our reputation with our neighbours either by fictitious presentations of one’s self, or by suppression of one’s true character, or by being one thing to one’s self and another to one’s neighbour, playing the comedy of vanity in one way to one person and in another way to another. Self-love moves us to act these parts, although the actor most commonly appears through the character.”
Michael F. Glancey, Characteristics From the 🔗Writings of Archbishop Ullathorne,1889
🔗 2. Pride
🔗 3. Humility
#humility
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Christian virtue of humility vs humility in the pagan world
The gods of the ancient world gave poor examples of morality
"He who gathers virtues without humility is like the man who carries dust against the wind." (St. Gregory)
🔗source
Fr Joseph Rickaby "Four Cardinal Virtues, addresses to young men" p.80-85
#virtue #moraltheology #humility
The gods of the ancient world gave poor examples of morality
"He who gathers virtues without humility is like the man who carries dust against the wind." (St. Gregory)
🔗source
Fr Joseph Rickaby "Four Cardinal Virtues, addresses to young men" p.80-85
#virtue #moraltheology #humility