fully clothed with humility (1 pt 5:5)
"He humbled Himself." —Philippians 2:8
The Lord "humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8) The Lord wants us to come and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). The Lord is always teaching us to be humble — from His birth in Bethlehem to His death on the cross, and from His Incarnation to the Eucharist. He teaches us humility both from His strictness and His kindness (1 Pt 5:5).
Jesus teaches that humility is a matter of emptying ourselves, that is, of dispossessing ourselves, rather than grasping at possessions (Phil 2:6-7). Humility is expressed in an obedience so severe that we die to ourselves (see Phil 2:8; see also Gal 5:24; Jn 12:24). Humility goes to the extent of loving and forgiving enemies and of washing their feet (Jn 13:5).
Consequently, humility is humanly impossible. But the Lord has given us a new nature so that the miracle of humility can cover every aspect of our lives. Be clothed with humility (1 Pt 5:5).
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me humility as deeply and quickly as possible. Do whatever it takes.
Promise: "Go out into the highways and along the hedgerows and force them to come in. I want my house to be full." —Lk 14:23
Praise: Mel, a Christian athlete, lost his starting job to another team member. He responded by humbly assisting his replacement, praying for him, and eventually, by leading him to Christ.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Jesus' Incarnation on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002