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Writer's pictureDenise Lanik

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BERNARD, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, AUGUST 20, 2022



A Gospel according to MT 23:1-12


Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”


REFLECTION

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”


Have you ever wondered what the word humility really means?

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, humility is freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble. Another definition says, humility is a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness. Some people find themselves interpreting humility as a low self image and this is wrong.


Humility is probably the most important of virtues. True humility is something the Saints sought and lived. Jesus wants this virtue for us. He taught His disciples to value humility. Here are some quotes from the Saints on humility.


Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. ~ St. Augustine


Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. -Saint Augustine


He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the Passion of Jesus. (267)

-- St Faustina, Divine Mercy in my Soul


"Humility, which is a virtue, is always fruitful in good works."

--St. Thomas


Do you have a desire for humility? How does one acquire true humility?


Here in this Gospel passage, Jesus says, "The greatest among you must be your servant." This seems like a good place to start, by serving others. In our PAPA Handbook on page 22, our Philosophy and way of life is PSB (Pray, Serve, Bless). We follow what Jesus taught us.


All you holy Angels and Saints, pray for us and our priests to be humble.

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