Humility 09/04/2010
 The following suggestions on humility were written by Farther Harold, the Oblate Director of St. Benedict's Abbey in Bartonville, Illinois. It is posted with his permission. At a recent sermon (last Sunday) I was able to give a brief exposition of what I understood to be the attitude and practice of the virtue of humility. Although it might sound funny- according to my interpretation, I hope you will be able to appreciate the depth of wisdom, coming from the lifetime experience of our Holy Father Benedict. First: Learn what humility is… Is an attitude of reverence towards God- not just man, having an assertiveness of who you are according to Him (knowing your place). It raises the heart towards a spiritual goal, while the opposite denigrates (diminishes) its purpose. STEP 1 Fear of God keeps you focused in doing what He wants (therefore avoid sin!). STEP 2 What you want is not always what God wants… (avoid making any major decisions) STEP 3 There will always be someone in charge! (looking up to leaders as role-models) STEP 4 Remain cool when being challenged or troubled- virtue of patience. (being steadfast when facing difficulties) STEP 5 Don’t hide anything- be transparent! (like your mom did in your childhood, other people will eventually know…) STEP 6 Treasure what you already have- be content and happy with it. STEP 7 Don’t think of yourself of greater value than anyone else- you’ll disappoint many when they find out who you really are! STEP 8 Be great in following Rules- especially when others are giving you an example! STEP 9 Learn to SHUT UP! Control your thoughts and you’ll see that sometimes there is no need of saying a single word. STEP 10 If you know how to live, you’ll know how to enjoy life- laugh only when necessary. STEP 11 Mean what you say and say what you mean… Try harder, if you have to! STEP 12 You’re not perfect! You have a long way to go… Practice makes perfect! 1 Comment |   Custom Search Pastor Frank
My name is Frank Fisher. I’m a native of a small town in Missouri, I spent my adolescence in Madison, Wisconsin, and ever since I entered college I’ve been a resident of Illinois. When I began college, I intended to enter pastoral ministry. Instead, I was diverted into a thirty year career with the Chicago Fire Department. I was ordained to an interim pastorate in the year 2000, and am now serving in my eighth interim. Many of you may wonder about the letters, "Obl OSB" that follow my name. The short explanation is that they mean I'm an Oblate of the Abbey of John the Baptist and Saint Benedict, an ecumenical Abbey located in Bartonville, Illinois. An Oblate is someone who has promised to follow the rule of Saint Benedict in their lives up to the point where their position in life makes following the rule impossible. CategoriesAll ArchivesJuly 2011 |
