Tag: humility

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Week 2 of Advent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 38; Evening,  Psalm 119:25 to 48;

Amos 8:1 to 14; Revelation 1:17 to 2:7; Matthew 23:1 to 12

“All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

After pondering on these words of Matthew for a while I get the sense that exaltation is the goal for both, it’s just two different routes to being exalted. While we are kind of led to the latter, that is, to humble ourselves now in order to be exalted later (even in the next life), it seems to me that we are being humble for the reward of being exalted.  This doesn’t work for me. 

I think if I train myself to really get into, and be comfortable with, humility I will never want or desire exaltation for myself.  I’ve always told my congregation that being humble can be a fleeting thing.  Once you boast about your humility, it’s gone. 

I have had lapses in humility.  I played guitar with another guitarist and when he was thanked for coming and playing and I was not I brought it to the attention of the group. Shame on me.  It was after that incident that I coined the phrase “the humility of invisibility.”  Unfortunately, humility was not my comfort zone. But I want it to be.  So I have put into practice the words of C.S. Lewis who said, “Humility is not so much about thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less.”

So now I ponder about all the times I was not seen or remembered, while at the same time I was very present, at various events. I am learning to enjoy “the humility of invisibility,” and not so that I might be exalted later, but just for the inherent quiet and unassuming nature of it. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Thomas Merton, Monk, Spiritual Writer, Poet, (December 10, 1968)  and his information may be found at: Thomas Merton.

Today we also remember Karl Barth, Pastor and Theologian (also December 10, 1968)  and his information may be found at: Karl Barth.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Most Holy Lord God, please continue to use us believers for the enhancement of Your people, unseen, behind the scenes, with the personal satisfaction of doing Your will here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 17: Year C

Luke 14:1, 7-14

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  (Luke 14:11)

“O Lord it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way, I can’t wait to look in the mirror cause I get better looking each day.” Words by Mac Davis. Funny the way humility works.  If you brag about it, it’s lost.  Sorry Mac.

Humility is so lacking in our society today. However, it is still very much needed.  We all need people who put community first.  We need more people who want to take a back seat for themselves and focus on the needs of the welfare of family, of friends, and of neighbors.

Humility is putting others first without the thought of reward or even recognition for it. It is just a way of life. Once we learn to reduce our needs for vanity, we are better enabled to tend to the needs of others who are often in more dire straits than ourselves. From C.S. Lewis, he says about humility, “Humility is not so much about thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less.”  For me this means, not putting myself down, but putting myself aside.

Self promoting seems to be the way of the world today. But as Christians we are called to be “other promoting.”  When I look at group photos I try to see who is in the back, or partially behind someone.  It’s hard to see them because someone who thinks they are “more important” has blocked the camera’s view.

Our Church is maintained by humble people. We are maintained by an Altar guild and worship support folks we never see, but we are cared for by them in the service materials being properly placed.  The church is financially functioning because unnoticed tellers receive, count and hand over to a “behind-the-scenes” vestry who accounts for contributions every Sunday. These are just few of the many “hidden figures” who humbly serve us out of the love in their hearts.

Perhaps the most humble act that we can do today is just showing up.  You don’t have to be special, you just have to be present.  Show up to visit someone who is sick; show up to take someone to an appointment; show up to attend a meeting.  All of these are selfless acts that are so meaningful to those you serve.  And remember the words from the letter to the Hebrews: “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1 – 2) And, remember not to boast. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: BCP p. 232

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.