total humility
"Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." —Matthew 11:29
Jesus is "gentle and humble of heart" (see Zec 9:9). Jesus "humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8) Jesus humbled Himself and washed the feet of the apostles. Then He commanded: "What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do" (Jn 13:15). Jesus has promised: "Whoever humbles himself shall be exalted" (Mt 23:12).
The Lord commands us to be humble in personal relationships. This is called "submission" (see Eph 5:21). We are to be humble in managing finances and possessions. This is called "stewardship." The Lord commands us to be humble in obeying His word through the teachings of the Church and her Bible. This humility in receiving teaching is called "docility." In effect, the Lord wants our lives to be permeated with humility. The Lord has promised: "I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly" (Zep 3:12). "Be humbled in the sight of the Lord" (Jas 4:10).
Prayer: "Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours."
Promise: "If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the evil deeds of the body, you will live." —Rm 8:13
Praise: "I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day will I bless You" (Ps 145:1-2).
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 28, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 1, 1998