Frank R. Fisher, Obl OSB
Humility 09/04/2010
 
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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!

 

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Humility 09/04/2009
 
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    "The sixth step of humility is that a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given, saying to himself with the Prophet, I am insignificant and ignorant, no better than a beast before you, yet I am with you always. - Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 7.

    Hey, that's a challenging statement, isn't it? We live in an age where we are measured by success.  The more money you make, the better person you are! Of course it doesn't seem to matter too much how you make that money. We idealize the rich and the famous. We want the huge house with two Mercedes' in the drive way. Forget about humility, its for the losers.

    Too often the same attitude appears in our churches. We see rich pastors who seem to blab a lot on television about Jesus but seem to care more about money. And the rest of us, hey, we are equally guilty. Every minister wants to think their preaching is unmatched. We want our congregants to gush about our pastoral care, even if it means we eliminate our time with our families to make our congregants proud of us. The list here could go on and on, but confess it, we are just as success driven as everyone else in our society.

    Maybe we all need to do some thinking about the One who told us that the last would be first. He also told us the great ones were the ones who became servants of all.

    Lord, help us to become servants; humbles ones who know our weaknesses and admit our imperfections. Help us to embrace the path of humility and in doing so, follow directly in your way. Amen and Amen
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"We are thus forbidden to do our own will, since the Scripture saith to us: "And turn away from thy evil will" (Sir 18:30). And thus, too, we ask God in prayer that His will may be done in us (cf Mt 6:10). We are, therefore, rightly taught not to do our own will, when we guard against what Scripture saith: "There are ways that to men seem right, the end whereof plungeth into the depths of hell" (Prov 16:25). And also when we are filled with dread at what is said of the negligent: "They are corrupted and become abominable in their pleasure" (Ps 13[14]:1). But as regards desires of the flesh, let us believe that God is thus ever present to us, since the Prophet saith to the Lord: "Before Thee is all my desire" (Ps 37[38]:10)." - Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 7.

These words come from Benedict's chapter on humility. How many of us in congregations, whether we serve in the pulpit or in the pew, have thought about this concept? I certainly know a lot of pastors who are very impressed with themselves. Of course I have met many congregants who are similarly impressed.

I have served in several congregations who were experiencing, or had experienced conflict. Almost all of them at some point included a pastor or parishioner, or several of each, who started many sentences with "I want . . . " The success of these congregations in surviving these experiences, and moving on to become a thriving community, is essentially measured by their ability to give up that phrase. Instead they turn to phrases like, "what does God call us to do here," or "how can I serve you." 

In my denomination one of the membership, and ordination vows includes the question, "who is your Lord and Savior." The required answer is, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior."  If we declare Christ is the Lord of our lives, we must also declare that we are not out to get our own way.  Instead, our way should be one considering how Jesus would have us live, and how Jesus would have us treat others. To me, the first step on that path, is the abandonment of "I want," and instead embracing humility.
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