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