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Saturday, August 25, 2001

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St. Louis
St. Joseph Calasanz


Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17
Psalm 128
Matthew 23:1-12

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humble be

"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Matthew 23:12

Jesus repeatedly commands us to humble ourselves (Mt 23:12). We humble ourselves when we:

  • "do everything and observe everything" rightful authorities tell us, even if these leaders are hypocrites (Mt 23:3),
  • keep secret our works of mercy, if possible (Mt 23:5; 6:4),
  • dress so as not to draw attention to ourselves (Mt 23:5),
  • take the lowest place (Mt 23:6; Lk 14:10),
  • repent and go to Confession,
  • forgive,
  • apologize,
  • wash the feet of other Christians to serve them (Jn 13:14-15),
  • "think humbly of others as superior" to ourselves (Phil 2:3),
  • look "to others' interests rather than" to our own (Phil 2:4),
  • are "poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3), that is, voluntarily choose to live below our means,
  • empty ourselves (see Phil 2:7),
  • decrease while Jesus increases (Jn 3:30),
  • deny ourselves (Lk 9:23), and
  • take up our cross daily (Lk 9:23).

"Seek justice, seek humility; perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger" (Zep 2:3). "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Mi 6:8). Humble yourselves (Mt 23:12).

Prayer:  Jesus, let me learn from You to be "gentle and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29).

Promise:  "He will be your comfort and the support of your old age." —Ru 4:15

Praise:  St. Louis, king of France, was renowned for his concern for the poor and everyday invited thirteen of them to eat with him.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, February 13, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 20, 2001