Day 5: Humility

Reflection

Philippine was a woman who displayed an immense amount of humility throughout her life. The definition of humility is having a modest or low view of one's own importance. However, I do not think that this is what it means to be humble. To me, being humble means being grateful for what is given to a person in life, and recognizing that not everything is about one’s self. Humility, to me, is a lack of pride, but not a lack of self-worth. Philippine's example teaches us that humility comes from love, and having humility can be very powerful.

Philippine was humble in that she never thought of herself as better than others. One example is Philippine's respect for Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat, who had recently founded the Society of the Sacred Heart and invited Philippine to join the new religious order. Philippine was ten years older than Sophie, and she had come from a more privileged, wealthy family than Sophie, but Philippine bowed at the feet of Mother Barat as soon as they met, displaying her humility for all to see.

Philippine demonstrated humility in little ways, too. One day, several years after she became an RSCJ, Philippine decided to play Blind Man’s Bluff with a few students. She took off her bonnet and let the girls put a blindfold over her eyes. Her hair was all messed up, but she didn’t care about embarrassing herself, because she just wanted the girls to have fun.

A final example of Philippine's humility occurred when she was nearing the end of her life. Often, she would sit under a pear tree at the convent in St. Charles and weep, because she believed she had failed in her life's mission. I find this to be a very striking image. Philippine was a woman who still impacts our lives today, hundreds of years later, as the founder of the first Sacred Heart schools in America. Still, she was so humble, that even after her incredible hardships and great successes, she thought she had not done enough. Of course, she was wrong. She may have been blinded by her own humility. I can admire that she did not let her successes take over her faith, but Philippine may not have been able to see how much good she had brought to the world. As we look back on Philippine's life and look forward to our own lives, I think we should ask God to help us remain humble when we are triumphant, and hopeful when we feel defeated. Philippine left a legacy that changed the world for the better, and that is something I think we should all try to appreciate, even if she could not.

After reading all about Philippine's humble acts, it really makes me want to start doing the same. I am already a sensitive and helpful person to my friends, but Philippine helps me realize that every day I should strive to became a better friend. Today, everyone is consumed with sports, school, and electronics, but if we take time from our days to do good, we would all be truly happy. I can start with five minutes each day dedicated to helping my mom with house chores. This is small, but it is a start. Although Philippine felt like a failure near the end of her life, she has been an inspiration to millions of people, and we can all look up to her humble ways.

Maria, Greta & Nicole

Questions for Reflection

How is true humility different from low self-esteem?

When was the last time that I forgot about myself and my concerns in order to bring joy to others?

Which aspect of Philippine's humility speaks to my heart today?

Prayer

Loving God,

Philippine walked in the footsteps of Your Son, Jesus, who was meek and humble of heart.

Through her example and her prayers, help us to live with true humility,

recognizing that everything we have and all that we are is a gift.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.

Amen.