Humility is a foundational virtue that plays a crucial role in our growth in holiness. It is the virtue that allows us to understand our own worth, acknowledge our limitations, and recognize the value in others. The fundamental battle in the spiritual life is against self-love or the excessive tendency to prefer our own will and excuse our bad behavior. The virtue of Humility is the antidote to self-love and turns to God as the author of all that is good in us and in the world around us. Let’s consider together what humility is, why it is essential, and learn practical habits for developing this virtue and combating pride.
Understanding the Virtue of Humility
Humility, derived from the Latin word “humus,” meaning soil or ground, is about being in touch with reality. It is about being fully aware of our strengths and weaknesses and acknowledging that all we are and possess comes from God. Humility doesn’t involve self-deprecation or an inferiority complex. Instead, it promotes a self-image that aligns with reality. Simply put, a humble person sees things as they are and recognizes their successes and talents as gifts from God, not primarily as their own achievements. This understanding fosters gratitude toward God and an appreciation for the gifts He has given to us and to others.
The Importance of Humility
As Pride is the source of all vices, Humility is the foundation of all virtues. From humility springs patience, meekness, temperance, and charity. It leads one to forget oneself and to put God and others at the center of their life. Humility also promotes gratitude. It encourages us to be thankful for everything we have, and for all that comes into our lives. By humility, we are able to be truly thankful “in all things,” as Saint Paul says. We can recognize the hand of God shaping us toward holiness in all of life’s circumstances, the good and the bad. But without humility, one will fall into the trap of pride, taking credit for successes and blaming others for failures.
The Saints and Humility
All the saints have exemplified the virtue of humility. They serve as role models for us and have spoken about the importance of this virtue throughout history. Because we tend to self-love and pride, the words of the saints can surprise us. But we ought to remember that apart from God, we should see ourselves as nothing (because He made us and sustains us, and without Him, we would not exist). This is not self-hatred but an accurate understanding of reality. Because of our fallen nature, what we do naturally without reference to God has a tendency to become sinful. What we do by the power of His grace is life-giving and redemptive. The key to humility, therefore, is to keep our eyes on God and not on ourselves, frequently renewing our intention to do His will.
St. Bernard said, “Humility is necessary, not only for the acquisition of virtues but even for salvation. For the gate of Heaven, as Christ Himself testifies, is so narrow that it admits only little ones.”
He also said, “When one is very remarkable for virtue, and truly great before God, and favored and esteemed by Him, yet, with all this, remains little and vile in his own eyes, here is that humility so grateful to God and so rare among men. . . . [This humility] was found most perfectly in the Blessed Virgin, who, on hearing herself chosen to be the mother of God, acknowledged herself to be a servant and handmaiden.”
St. Augustine once said, “Humility is the foundation of all other virtues. Hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist, there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.” His words underscore the importance of humility in true spiritual growth.
St. Teresa of Avila said, “Do not believe that you have made any advance in perfection unless you consider yourself the worst of all, and desire that all should be preferred to you; for it is the mark of those who are great in the eyes of God, to be small in their own eyes; and the more glorious they are in the sight of God, the lower they appear in their own sight.”
Growing in Humility: Practical Habits for Combating Pride
Growing in humility is a journey that requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some practical habits that can help combat pride and nurture humility:
- Pray for Humility: Overcoming pride is impossible without the grace of God. Our Lord is always pleased to assist us in overcoming pride when we ask for His help.
- Rejoice in the good of others and compliment them: Be generous with praise and acknowledge the achievements of others.
- Choose the lowest place or the worst portion: Offer the best seat to someone else or let the last piece of delicious food go to another.
- Mind your own business: Avoid getting involved in or criticizing matters that do not concern you. Refrain from trying to control others. Focus instead on your own growth and improvement in virtue.
- Be silent when you desire to speak: Our quick words often reveal a secret pride. Practice asking yourself if what you are about to say will bless those who hear it.
- Give thanks continually: Cultivate a disposition of gratitude. Recognize and appreciate the role of others in your achievements and be especially thankful for the gifts of God you have received.
Prayers of Humility
Many prayers and scriptures focus on the virtue of humility. Consider memorizing one of these short aspirations and pray it often throughout the day.
“Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.”
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
“My Jesus, pardon and mercy through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds.”
The Litany of Humility
The Litany of Humility, attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val, is a powerful prayer that seeks deliverance from the desire for esteem, love, and approval and invites the grace to desire that others may be loved more than oneself. It is a prayer that seeks freedom from the shackles of pride and a heart that is open to the virtue of humility.
Pray the Litany of Humility
The Effects of Humility
Humility has many positive effects on our lives. It allows us to see ourselves as we are, to appreciate the achievements of others, and to be more understanding of their faults. It fosters selflessness, gratitude, and a sense of purpose that comes from God rather than our own ambitions.
In contrast, a lack of humility leads to a self-centered attitude, resentment, envy, and a distorted sense of self-worth. It is an obstacle to grace, strains relationships, and distances us from God.“He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble.” (Luke 1:51-52)
Conclusion
In many ways, growth in humility is a summary of the spiritual life of a Catholic. Because of the wounds of original sin and our tendency toward self-love, the struggle to grow in the virtue of humility continues throughout this earthly life. This interior battle requires consistent effort, prayer, and a conscious decision to put others before ourselves. – Let us remember the words of St. Paul and the example of our Lord, “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) In doing so, we will become more and more conformed to Christ, who said of Himself, “I am Meek and Humble of Heart.”
