Humility is a virtue that recognizes our giftedness, shortcomings

Economics influence gasoline prices
January 11, 2011
Child safety seat event scheduled
January 13, 2011
Economics influence gasoline prices
January 11, 2011
Child safety seat event scheduled
January 13, 2011

One of the most misunderstood moral virtues is humility. Spiritual writers often say, “Humility is truth.” In other words, we do not think less of ourselves and we do not think more of ourselves. Humble people recognize their shortcomings and their giftedness. They try to overcome their weaknesses and give God credit for their blessings.


Humility has nothing to do with degrading ourselves or putting ourselves down. Malcolm Forbes reminds us, “Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” We acknowledge our self worth and thank God for our many gifts. Ken Blanchard put it this way, “Humility does not mean you think less of yourself. It means you think of yourself less.”

The second part of Jesus’ commandment is “to love your neighbor as yourself.” Brian Tracy says, “The core of your personality is your self-esteem, ‘How much you like yourself?’ The more you like and respect yourself, the better you do at everything you attempt.”


Jesus often talked about humility. In Luke’s gospel he said, “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) The author of the first letter of Peter said, “All of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Pet 5:5-6)


St. Augustine reminds us that pride was the fallen angels’ downfall. He said, “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that turns humans into angels.” I like this quote from an anonymous author, “Happiness keeps you sweet; trials keep you strong; sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble; success keeps you glowing, but only God keeps you going!”

St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan in the late fourth century, said that the “perfect expression of humility” is found in Mary’s Magnificat. According to Luke’s gospel, Mary’s cousin Elizabeth was about to give birth to John the Baptist. It was the Jewish custom for all female relatives to come to the aid of the expectant mother at the time of her delivery.

Mary traveled a 75-mile journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem to assist Elizabeth and to share her own joy. When Mary arrives, Elizabeth is surprised and says, “Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” After a warm embrace Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

“His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.” (Luke 1:46-52) Mary acknowledged that it was God’s doing that made all this possible.

I would like to close with a prayer asking God for the virtue of humility.

Compassionate God, help me to be grateful for blessing me with many talents and resources. Give me a generous heart to share my abundance with those in need. Give me insights into my shortcomings. Help me to realize that I do not have all the answered in life. Help me to straighten out my own life and not worry about others. Give me a humble heart to accept whatever is your will. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.