Luke 14:13
"...invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you."
Readings for Sunday: Sirach, Hebrews, Matthew
Reflection:
Saint Augustine once said that the three most essential things for the spiritual life are “humility, humility, humility.” To understand this, we must first distinguish between worldly humility and biblical humility.
Worldly humility is often thought of as downplaying one’s accomplishments or refusing honor. For example, if Walter Payton, one of the greatest football players, were to say he was “average,” people would call that humble. While this attitude captures a willingness not to draw attention to oneself, it is, nonetheless, inauthentic because it is contrary to the truth.
Biblical humility, by contrast, is rooted in the truth. Jesus himself is the perfect model of humility. Though he is God, he “emptied himself” and became human, obedient even to death on a cross (Philippians 2). His humility was not in denying who he is but in serving others through self-sacrificial love. Thus, true humility is not about belittling oneself, but about recognizing the radical truth: all that we are and all that we have come from God, and all of our gifts and talents are given for his glory and the good of others.
When we serve those most in need, we grow in humility. Service shifts our focus away from ourselves and onto others, helping us live in the truth that life is not about self-promotion but about God. A truly humble person does not seek praise or recognition, nor are they disturbed by criticism, because their life is anchored in Christ.
Ultimately, humility is both a disposition and a way of life. It frees us from pride, grounds us in the truth, and directs all glory to God. This is why, as Augustine taught, humility is the foundation of the spiritual life.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I sometimes confuse worldly humility with true, biblical humility? How can I better embrace humility as living in the truth rather than denying my gifts?
- What concrete step of self-sacrificial service can I take this week to grow in humility and shift my focus away from myself and toward those most in need?