Greatness in Humility

Grab

What recent accomplishments in life are you most proud of?  

Grace

In the work of evangelization and mission, we, as holy warriors, are called to be holy. One of the characteristics of a holy warrior is humility. The text below is an excerpt from Frank Padila’s book, “Holy Warriors, A Call to War” which can be found on page 59. 

A holy warrior is humble. 

Normally a warrior takes pride in his strength and power. But a holy warrior knows that apart from God he can do nothing. He can only look to God’s power and strength. This necessarily humbles him. 

And even as God uses him, a holy warrior never seeks honor for himself. He is an authentic servant leader who does not look to power, position, or perks. He is unlike many leaders in the Church who act otherwise, “choosing the places of honor at the table” (Lk 14:7). He knows that the leader is a servant, the first is the last, the greatest is the least, and so will “go and take the lowest place” (Lk 14:10a). 

He is deeply aware of a basic spiritual principle: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11). He is not a fool who thinks too highly of himself, but knows that apart from God’s mercy, grace and anointing, he is nothing. And so he remains humble. And if God uses him in power, even more, is he humbled, as he knows it can only be God who accomplishes great things through him. 

But he also does not have false modesty. He knows that God raises those who are bowed down, and honors those who are good and faithful servants. He knows that God’s people are destined for greatness. If God allows him to be recognized, acclaimed, and given a higher responsibility, he accepts, in humility. He recognizes his Lord telling him, “My friend, move up to a higher position.” 

Gather

1. What concern in my mission work do I need God’s power the most? 

2. What have I learned about humility as I do the work of evangelization?

Go Forth

For us to accomplish great things in the work of mission and evangelization, we must be humble and recognize that we are nothing and we can do nothing without God. Strive to pray the litany of humility, especially in moments of mission work for the community. 

Litany of Humility 

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...

From the desire of being extolled ...

From the desire of being honored ...

From the desire of being praised ...

From the desire of being preferred to others...

From the desire of being consulted ...

From the desire of being approved ...

From the fear of being humiliated ...

From the fear of being despised...

From the fear of suffering rebukes ...

From the fear of being calumniated ...

From the fear of being forgotten ...

From the fear of being ridiculed ...

From the fear of being wronged ...

From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...

That, in the opinion of the world,

others may increase and I may decrease ...

That others may be chosen and I set aside ...

That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...

That others may be preferred to me in everything...

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

Give

God is Generous and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

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